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
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 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
  • New homes are less likely to compete on price with existing homes in dense urban markets like New York City, where scarce land means new construction is dominated by condominium projects rather than detached homes.
    — Mike Winters, CNBC, 23 July 2026
  • Apartments offer better square-meter-to-euro value than across the river, and detached homes are available here at a lower price point.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026
Definition of detached
Adjective
  • That microscopic shift alters the laser beams ever so slightly, producing a tiny flicker of light that alerts scientists to a distant cosmic event.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 July 2026
  • For more than a decade, including when his party controlled both houses of Congress and the White House, the high school football star in his distant youth has been unable to move the ball a single yard.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • With the game clock frozen, Purple Reign’s offense went equally as cold.
    — Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • John Dillinger lay on a cold slab in the Cook County Morgue Monday.
    — Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • It’s been so cool to see all of the audience reception and theories and the excitement that people have for the character in the show is beyond me.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 July 2026
  • Black Panther was my very first film, and I was invited to create something really cool with a lot of grace, with a lot of safety.
    — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 26 July 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • The ArcLight helped pioneer premium modern multiplex features, including reclining stadium-style chairs, in-house gourmet dining and reserved seating.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
  • May would shed her quiet and reserved manner, teaming up with strangers for tournaments.
    — Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 18 July 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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