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
Malia Griggs, Glamour, 20 Jan. 2026
For ages, London's culinary reputation—perhaps best defined by fish and chips at neighborhood pubs, (excellent) curry shops, and buttoned-up afternoon teas—seemed to lag behind global counterparts like Paris and Tokyo.
—Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 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
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
And other CEOs don’t like their meetings to be so buttoned-up, just like Faulkner.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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
For ages, London's culinary reputation—perhaps best defined by fish and chips at neighborhood pubs, (excellent) curry shops, and buttoned-up afternoon teas—seemed to lag behind global counterparts like Paris and Tokyo.
—Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 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
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
And other CEOs don’t like their meetings to be so buttoned-up, just like Faulkner.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttoned-up
Adjective
-
The property’s biggest surprise may be its detached guest house, which is ready for visitors, multigenerational living or for working from home.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Senate Bill 1277 would cut text limiting what counts as an ADU, essentially allowing detached ADUs with the same consideration as apartments inside a home.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Visiting boats moor in the bay but keep to the far side, close enough to admire and distant enough to ignore.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The primary suite is the standout, though, with a massive, minimalist bed, panoramic vistas of the distant mountains, and a bathroom covered in shimmering red tiles.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This year, Russia has worked to keep Ukraine cold, presumably in an attempt to turn us against each other.—
Daria Kolomiec,
Time,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The orange juice is cold and freshly pressed, the espresso dark and strong, the tea served with a strainer (because proper leaves are used).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The backstory The 34-year-old hotel is amid years-long renovations, ensuring this old favorite stays relevant and cool.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
This New York Fashion Week, Anna Sui's show brought together a nostalgic, indie-cool twist on boho chic.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Top each lettuce half with 2 tablespoons burnt garlic Caesar dressing and sprinkle with reserved bread crumbs, divided between plates.—
C.W. Cameron,
AJC.com,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Top everything with the reserved 2/3 cup of cheese.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buttoned-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttoned-up. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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