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 year-to-date median close price for detached homes sits at $650,000, matching each of the past two years.
    — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Firefighters were called out to a residential fire near Pomegranate Avenue and found significant fire coming from a home and a detached garage.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of detached
Adjective
  • As the men draw closer to the peak, the likelihood of reaching it actually grows more distant.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Henry’s horrified too, but my guy’s also confused because instead of really feeling for what her husband has been through, Julia is cold and distant.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • That level of pure confidence while talking to the person with cold, hard footage is what makes Lisa Barlow the perfect Real Housewife.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Shea’s supervisor confronted her when Shea’s findings in a cold case could not be replicated.
    — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • All 150 king rooms have private terraces, with pale woods and décor in cool taupe shades, while some of the suites have plunge pools, private gardens or two bedrooms.
    — Siobhan Grogan, TheWeek, 12 Oct. 2026
  • RedMagic, for example, uses a 3D vapor chamber with a composite liquid metal and a fan to keep the 11S Pro gaming phone running cool.
    — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • Top with reserved hazelnuts and press in gently to adhere (surface will be smothered with nuts).
    — Tanya Bush, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Forced to pick up the pieces of her life on the eve of the Great Depression, the reserved Caddie lands a job behind a bustling pub.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 9 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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