as in detached
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
a buttoned-up colleague who had no interest in talking about anything but work, even at parties
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Recent Examples of buttoned-up
Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Front-of-house is equally as buttoned-up as the behind-the-scenes service; warm concierge greet you at the entrance and speedy housekeeping services seem to instinctively know when to swoop in for their twice-daily visits (both cleaning and turn-down) in order to remain unseen.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Dec. 2025
Trevor Rosen wore a traditional black suit and Brad Tursi wore a buttoned-up black jacket and dress pants.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 20 Nov. 2025
Around midnight, unofficial results in all of the races and proposals in the county were buttoned-up and showing on the county website.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 8 Nov. 2025
This last one had modern detailing on it too, including an asymmetric, buttoned-up silhouette and tapered trousers.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
And other CEOs don’t like their meetings to be so buttoned-up, just like Faulkner.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2025
But whether the buttoned-up or conciliatory responses are the right tack is still an open question.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
The button-down shirt Pop the collar, roll up the sleeves, wear it loose or completely buttoned-up—a relaxed button-down shirt is an easygoing layer that adds instant polish to jeans and full skirts.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Cowley was more buttoned-up and shrewd about getting on in the world.
—Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Front-of-house is equally as buttoned-up as the behind-the-scenes service; warm concierge greet you at the entrance and speedy housekeeping services seem to instinctively know when to swoop in for their twice-daily visits (both cleaning and turn-down) in order to remain unseen.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Dec. 2025
Trevor Rosen wore a traditional black suit and Brad Tursi wore a buttoned-up black jacket and dress pants.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 20 Nov. 2025
Around midnight, unofficial results in all of the races and proposals in the county were buttoned-up and showing on the county website.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 8 Nov. 2025
This last one had modern detailing on it too, including an asymmetric, buttoned-up silhouette and tapered trousers.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
And other CEOs don’t like their meetings to be so buttoned-up, just like Faulkner.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2025
But whether the buttoned-up or conciliatory responses are the right tack is still an open question.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
The button-down shirt Pop the collar, roll up the sleeves, wear it loose or completely buttoned-up—a relaxed button-down shirt is an easygoing layer that adds instant polish to jeans and full skirts.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttoned-up
Adjective
-
In dismantling this scaffolding, the Court has left Congress more detached from its electorate, diminishing its claim and role as a representative authority.—
Duncan Hosie,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The detached house was built in 1960.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Spring planting might seem distant, but unseasonably warm days create opportunities to get outside and start preparing your flowerbeds for new growth.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
-
My acceptance precipitated an existential crisis since the job was so distant from what I’d been trained to do.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The slick material keeps chafing to a minimum during workouts, and the brushed inside is so soft against the skin and helps keep cold air out and your body heat in.—
Olivia Dubyak,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The heating coils are wrapped tightly and distributed evenly throughout the throw, providing consistent warmth without noticeable cold spots.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Practically speaking, white also helps reflect heat, keeping your body cool in the sun.—
Kristine Hansen,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
-
These shoes bring the comfort and versatility of your favorite sneaks, but with a distinctly polished, cool-girl edge.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Stir in parsley and reserved rice.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Add reserved maraschino cherry juice, adding more as needed, and stir until smooth.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buttoned-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttoned-up. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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