stand·off
ˈstand-ˌȯf 
1
2
: used for holding something at a distance from a surface
a standoff insulator
stood off; standing off; stands off
Synonyms
Examples of standoff in a Sentence
Noun
The two governments are currently in a standoff over who has rights to the land.
after two hours they had played to a 5–5 standoff
Adjective
the client's standoff attitude suggested that this was going to be a strictly business relationship
Recent Examples on the Web
Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Some protesters engaged in a standoff with pro-immigration activists in favour of a Portugal open to foreigners.
—Afp, Fortune Europe, 30 Sep. 2024
Abandoned to its own devices, the Middle East finds itself in a dangerous standoff—a violent test of wills and capabilities between hardened adversaries where no one can win.
—Firas Maksad, TIME, 24 Sep. 2024
The most likely conclusion to this government spending standoff is an encore that threatens Johnson's chances of being re-elected as House speaker.
—Maria Curi, Axios, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for standoff 
Noun
Given the importance of artillery in standoff, India has accelerated its modernization effort for their artillery systems.
—Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Some protesters engaged in a standoff with pro-immigration activists in favour of a Portugal open to foreigners.
—Afp, Fortune Europe, 30 Sep. 2024
Abandoned to its own devices, the Middle East finds itself in a dangerous standoff—a violent test of wills and capabilities between hardened adversaries where no one can win.
—Firas Maksad, TIME, 24 Sep. 2024
The most likely conclusion to this government spending standoff is an encore that threatens Johnson's chances of being re-elected as House speaker.
—Maria Curi, Axios, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for standoff
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'standoff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near standoff
Cite this Entry
“Standoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standoff. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
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