as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
she was consistently surly and offish with the would-be suitors who came calling
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Recent Examples of offish
So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.
—
Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
They weren’t being stand-offish, not at all.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Richard’s other big ally is undervalued and initially stand-offish plant engineer Clarence C. Baker (Dennis Haysbert), who eventually warms to Richard’s interest in his machines, and who encourages him to think big.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 Mar. 2023
Guzmán said the stereotype that Germans are stand-offish is way off the mark.
—Soudi Jiménezescritor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2022
But announcements on two continents in the last week show that showing the stand-offish situation is changing, with Royal Dutch Shell and General Motors hooking up in the US and BP buying into a BMW-Daimler charging joint venture in Europe.
—Michael Taylor, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2021
Off fans will also find a few cakes, including the show-offish Swedish Prinsesstårta.
—Kate Krader, Bloomberg.com, 13 Nov. 2020
The plaza between the two buildings makes the complex feel open and welcoming, not overbearing or stand-offish.
—Steven Litt, cleveland, 4 Oct. 2020
Most of the mentor-teacher characters in kung fu films are extremely stand-offish and intimidating.
—Clark Collis, EW.com, 1 July 2020
Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
They weren’t being stand-offish, not at all.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Richard’s other big ally is undervalued and initially stand-offish plant engineer Clarence C. Baker (Dennis Haysbert), who eventually warms to Richard’s interest in his machines, and who encourages him to think big.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 Mar. 2023
Guzmán said the stereotype that Germans are stand-offish is way off the mark.
—Soudi Jiménezescritor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2022
But announcements on two continents in the last week show that showing the stand-offish situation is changing, with Royal Dutch Shell and General Motors hooking up in the US and BP buying into a BMW-Daimler charging joint venture in Europe.
—Michael Taylor, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2021
Off fans will also find a few cakes, including the show-offish Swedish Prinsesstårta.
—Kate Krader, Bloomberg.com, 13 Nov. 2020
The plaza between the two buildings makes the complex feel open and welcoming, not overbearing or stand-offish.
—Steven Litt, cleveland, 4 Oct. 2020
Most of the mentor-teacher characters in kung fu films are extremely stand-offish and intimidating.
—Clark Collis, EW.com, 1 July 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offish
Adjective
-
Spring planting might seem distant, but unseasonably warm days create opportunities to get outside and start preparing your flowerbeds for new growth.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
-
My acceptance precipitated an existential crisis since the job was so distant from what I’d been trained to do.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In dismantling this scaffolding, the Court has left Congress more detached from its electorate, diminishing its claim and role as a representative authority.—
Duncan Hosie,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The detached house was built in 1960.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The slick material keeps chafing to a minimum during workouts, and the brushed inside is so soft against the skin and helps keep cold air out and your body heat in.—
Olivia Dubyak,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The heating coils are wrapped tightly and distributed evenly throughout the throw, providing consistent warmth without noticeable cold spots.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Practically speaking, white also helps reflect heat, keeping your body cool in the sun.—
Kristine Hansen,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
-
These shoes bring the comfort and versatility of your favorite sneaks, but with a distinctly polished, cool-girl edge.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Aquaphor Lip Repair Balm not only soothes and heals dry lips, but also has SPF 30 sunscreen for additional protection against the sun’s harmful rays.—
Katrina Cossey,
Parents,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Keep scrolling to stay warm and dry for as little as $20.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Stir in parsley and reserved rice.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Add reserved maraschino cherry juice, adding more as needed, and stir until smooth.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The president’s bows were aloof and stiff.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Farmiga plays Cameron's aloof mother.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Offish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offish. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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