buttoned-up 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbə-tᵊnd-ˈəp How to pronounce buttoned-up (audio)
Definition of buttoned-upnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

buttoned (up)

2 of 2

verb

past tense of button (up)
as in zipped (up)

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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 buttoned-up
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 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 See All Example Sentences for buttoned-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttoned-up
  1. detached
  2. distant
  3. cold
  4. cool
  5. reserved
Adjective
  • The regulations list possibilities including guest houses, caretaker residences, cabanas, gyms, libraries, pool houses, boat houses and detached garages.
    — Luisa Yanez Updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The former Feyenoord boss stood accused of being too detached from the local fanbase.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of detached
Adjective
  • Growing up in nearby Long Island, where my parents moved partially due to fear of what would happen next, the attacks felt like a distant but ever-present part of my life.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
  • This week is a great time to find it because Neptune soon reaches opposition within Pisces, making the distant planet brighter than at any other time this year.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • New England had a 3rd-and-1 close to midfield, but its rush attempt was stopped cold and the Patriots punted.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
  • These days still call for cold drinks and as little clothing as is practicable.
    — Brenda Looper, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • The Lightblaze Sneakers are functional and cool, combining responsive support with trending details, including suede, animal print, and metallic accents.
    — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Rather markets sending yields lower to account for a slower economy and cooler inflation, yields have marched higher.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • Spread the jam evenly over the warm shortbread crust, then sprinkle crumbles of the reserved shortbread mixture over the top, completely covering the jam.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Not only are there no corporate suites in Armstrong, but the upper sections are full of non-reserved seating open to folks who purchased general admission grounds passes, which Tiafoe mentioned.
    — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of reserved

Browse Nearby Words

buttoned
buttoned-up
buttoned (up)
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Cite this Entry

“Buttoned-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttoned-up. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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