1
as in tie
a situation in which neither participant in a contest, competition, or struggle comes out ahead of the other
after two hours they had played to a 5-5 standoff
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in halt
a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in
the standoff continued for three days before the fugitive gave himself up to the authorities
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in detached
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
the client's standoff attitude suggested that this was going to be a strictly business relationship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 standoff
Nik Popli, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
Thompson was located later in a shed and arrested after an hours-long standoff.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2026
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
As Morgan and Sasha chat it up at Noah’s family’s Purim party, a sad-eyed Esther stands off to the side, quietly watching the interaction.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Noun
The Greenland standoff has upended the opening days of a forum that had been expected to largely focus on artificial intelligence, economic growth, and climate change.
—Nik Popli, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
Thompson was located later in a shed and arrested after an hours-long standoff.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
Maybe we’re supposed to believe that that promise is what compels Lee to stand off against Frank at One Well when a smart man would be running out the door.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
As Morgan and Sasha chat it up at Noah’s family’s Purim party, a sad-eyed Esther stands off to the side, quietly watching the interaction.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoff
Noun
-
Boston College’s Grace Campbell (32 saves) was stellar as well, allowing just McGathey’s goal in the first period before a 14-save second carried a 1-1 tie into the third.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Authorities have not revealed any motive for the killing, but court documents indicate the case has significant ties to local drug sales.—
Tom Olsen,
Twin Cities,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Advocates are also calling on Congress to intervene to put a halt to ICE arrests.—
Jason Rantala,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The ceasefire began with a halt in fighting and the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for thousands of Palestinians held by Israel.—
Samy Magdy,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Over the next decade, the most successful investors—and the partners who support them—will be those who understand that remote-first doesn’t mean detached.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Quick didn’t exactly turn back the clock to the glory days, coming up with 23 of 27 stops.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
The aircraft turned back and landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where the president and those traveling with him were set to board a different aircraft and then resume travel to Switzerland for the global economic conference.—
Lalee Ibssa,
ABC News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Remember, the park was originally protected because of its biodiversity, which is its biggest draw.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Two days of major money Florida Lottery draw games provided major money happiness to only one person.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That impasse ended in late October 2025, when Charles ordered his brother to surrender the lease on Royal Lodge.—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Status quo continues until there is a new agreement or there’s an impasse in negotiations.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In practice, the hand can grasp objects from both sides, detach to reach distant targets, collect multiple items sequentially, and securely reattach to its base.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Jan. 2026
-
The pair spoke with PEOPLE in 2023, after reuniting for Good Burger 2, about rekindling their friendship after growing distant as adults.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Fed cut rates three times in 2025, but will likely hold off on more cuts when policymakers meet at the end of January.—
Sean Conlon,Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Cedric Coward hit two late 3-pointers and scored 21 points to help the Memphis Grizzlies hold off the Brooklyn Nets 103-98 on Sunday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Standoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoff. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
