standoffish

adjective

stand·​off·​ish stand-ˈȯ-fish How to pronounce standoffish (audio)
: somewhat cold and reserved
standoffishly adverb
standoffishness noun

Examples of standoffish in a Sentence

She tends to be a bit standoffish with strangers. she proved to be simply shy, not standoffish
Recent Examples on the Web In a talking-head interview with the two of them, Kaleena gets really standoffish when Alisha accidentally touches her foot. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2024 The soldiers know the enemy is watching, and local villagers are standoffish and unhelpful. Bing West, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2011 Popular on Variety Kathleen and Emily’s dynamic is echoed in the slightly standoffish greeting Kathleen gives her aging mother. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 17 May 2024 Canan is understandably standoffish when fielding the jibes and unsolicited career advice of the opposing side’s attorney. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for standoffish 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'standoffish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of standoffish was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near standoffish

Cite this Entry

“Standoffish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standoffish. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

standoffish

adjective
stand·​off·​ish stan-ˈdȯ-fish How to pronounce standoffish (audio)
: not friendly : aloof

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