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
Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Aidala is folksy, while Agnifilo is more buttoned-up.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
There's ample space across two floors—the taproom downstairs is looser, the parlor upstairs a bit more buttoned-up and spirits-oriented.
—Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Raquel Welch brought her signature va-va-voom and fashion-forward style to the Oscars, with low necklines, high slits, and daring silhouettes, during a time when the ceremony dress code was much more (literally) buttoned-up.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
The new offering, however, seems more buttoned-up.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
Amazon has plenty of excellent work dresses that feel buttoned-up without being boring—and that are suitable for a range of office environments.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 20 Jan. 2026
The fun retro glasses seemed to rebel against gear that was getting as buttoned-up as the world, which has felt a bit heavier and more serious in the last five to ten years.
—Lily Ritter, Outside, 14 Jan. 2026
Cowley was more buttoned-up and shrewd about getting on in the world.
—Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Angela Rayner Starmer is often criticized for being buttoned-up and lawyerly.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Aidala is folksy, while Agnifilo is more buttoned-up.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
There's ample space across two floors—the taproom downstairs is looser, the parlor upstairs a bit more buttoned-up and spirits-oriented.
—Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Raquel Welch brought her signature va-va-voom and fashion-forward style to the Oscars, with low necklines, high slits, and daring silhouettes, during a time when the ceremony dress code was much more (literally) buttoned-up.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
The new offering, however, seems more buttoned-up.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
Amazon has plenty of excellent work dresses that feel buttoned-up without being boring—and that are suitable for a range of office environments.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 20 Jan. 2026
The fun retro glasses seemed to rebel against gear that was getting as buttoned-up as the world, which has felt a bit heavier and more serious in the last five to ten years.
—Lily Ritter, Outside, 14 Jan. 2026
Cowley was more buttoned-up and shrewd about getting on in the world.
—Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttoned-up
Adjective
-
Dominguez never managed to ingratiate himself with the players and Lillo became detached.—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
-
The film centers on a pickpocket who survives by exploiting the desires of closeted men, until his detached worldview is upended when one of his marks returns seeking closeness rather than settling scores.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
All are available as ground-floor garden units (timber floors; a king-size bed centered on doors opening onto a private terrace and garden) or upstairs (mirrored in layout but with plush carpets and four-poster beds; views of the surrounding gardens and distant mountains from Juliet balconies).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
-
This magisterial polemic demonstrates how what may appear to be distant American history remains acutely relevant.—
Anna Holmes,
The Atlantic,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
The best part of the combination is how the olive oil seamlessly blends with hot or cold beverages.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 May 2026
-
Hierarchy saves time and stops confusion cold.—
Chris Cardillo,
Rolling Stone,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
The classic court-style design blends sporty and timeless details in a way that feels effortlessly cool.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
24 May 2026
-
The patio umbrella in question is perfectly oversized to cast a cool shadow over your entire lounge area.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
Adjective
-
Sam, however, is a pretty reserved guy with a modest voice.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
23 May 2026
-
Recognized as the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indy 500 is expected to draw approximately 350,000-plus fans, with reserved grandstand seating already selling out for the second consecutive year.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buttoned-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttoned-up. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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