as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
she proved to be simply shy, not standoffish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of standoffish
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
After several minutes of standoffish conversation, Cummings accused Arriola of trying to scam him.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2022
And Steve says, all of this just goes a long way toward the hospital, redefining its once really standoffish relationship with the surrounding neighborhoods.
—Laura Johnston, cleveland, 7 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for standoffish
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
After several minutes of standoffish conversation, Cummings accused Arriola of trying to scam him.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2022
And Steve says, all of this just goes a long way toward the hospital, redefining its once really standoffish relationship with the surrounding neighborhoods.
—Laura Johnston, cleveland, 7 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for standoffish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoffish
Adjective
-
In Sheth’s images, the subjects’ backgrounds appear almost as dreamscapes, or portals to distant universes.—
M. Z. Adnan,
New Yorker,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Astronomers compare them to a powerful lighthouse that shines for milliseconds in the middle of a rough, distant sea.—
Jorge Garay,
Wired News,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In one image, a firefighter assisted the man out of the tube as colleagues held aside the detached pieces.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Recently remodeled, the property offers a two-story main house plus a guest suite atop the detached garage, for a combined total of four bedrooms and four baths in roughly 2,800 square feet.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Coco Cold Brew tops coconut water over ice with cold brew foam.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
-
The former includes espresso, americano, cappucino, latte, chaga mocha, cold brew and drip coffee.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Scottish actor Jack Lowden follows in the footsteps of Laurence Olivier, Colin Firth, and Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy, one of literature's most iconic, aloof romantic heroes.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Cuomo, too, stayed aloof from the press and in so doing came off as a lot less authentic and genuine than Mamdani.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Stay cool with clothing: Select lightweight and loose-fitting outfits for enhanced comfort.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
23 Aug. 2025
-
For instance, police found a handgun inside a cooler next to the front door.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Top with reserved mushrooms; garnish with additional thyme and pepper.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
20 Aug. 2025
-
The reserved seats will be available starting in January.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Standoffish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoffish. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share