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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of buttoned (up)
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
And other CEOs don’t like their meetings to be so buttoned-up, just like Faulkner.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2025
But whether the buttoned-up or conciliatory responses are the right tack is still an open question.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
The button-down shirt Pop the collar, roll up the sleeves, wear it loose or completely buttoned-up—a relaxed button-down shirt is an easygoing layer that adds instant polish to jeans and full skirts.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2025
In an industry that can feel so buttoned-up, Bashment offers something sacred: release.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 24 June 2025
One was that league investigators would be more buttoned-up and by the book, with the benefit of attorney-client privilege as well.
—Evan Drellich, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Jost is clean-cut and buttoned-up; Sherman is young and hip.
—Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
Verb
This last one had modern detailing on it too, including an asymmetric, buttoned-up silhouette and tapered trousers.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
And other CEOs don’t like their meetings to be so buttoned-up, just like Faulkner.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2025
But whether the buttoned-up or conciliatory responses are the right tack is still an open question.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
The button-down shirt Pop the collar, roll up the sleeves, wear it loose or completely buttoned-up—a relaxed button-down shirt is an easygoing layer that adds instant polish to jeans and full skirts.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2025
In an industry that can feel so buttoned-up, Bashment offers something sacred: release.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 24 June 2025
One was that league investigators would be more buttoned-up and by the book, with the benefit of attorney-client privilege as well.
—Evan Drellich, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Jost is clean-cut and buttoned-up; Sherman is young and hip.
—Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttoned (up)
Adjective
-
Due to his austere and detached manner, he is known to immediately inspire awe in his patients.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The consensus narrative of institutional finance has become so detached from empirical reality that diagnosing the problem requires abandoning its vocabulary for the precision of mathematics.—
Benjamin D. Summers,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
What looks like distant diplomacy or marginal disruption is, in fact, defining competitiveness for the decade ahead.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The magnesium salt flakes loosen up tight shoulders and soothe tired feet, as lavender and clary sage oil turn the day's stresses into far-off, distant memories.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Charlie Kirk didn't deserve to be killed in cold blood.—
Newsweek Contributors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
After all, who wants to wake up on a crisp winter morning to their feet on cold hardwood?—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
With adjustable sleeves and a boxy fit, the Abercrombie & Fitch Cropped Trench Coat is a cool, lightweight layer for brisk evenings, and the army green shade is especially on-trend.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Because of its open-work design, the sweater makes a versatile choice for cool, end-of-summer nights and warm fall days.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
People.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Reservations include a reserved seat and access to the full menu.—
Nasha Smith,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Vigorously stir the noodles for a minute, adding some reserved cooking water, a tablespoon or two at a time, until the sauce is glossy and clings to the noodles.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buttoned (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttoned%20%28up%29. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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