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
Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
The violence and competing claims over responsibility highlight a deepening and increasingly deadly standoff between Damascus and Kurdish authorities who have resisted integrating into the central government.
—CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025
Your philosophy may be challenged when Mercury stands off with Saturn.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Noun
The suspect advanced on police after a roughly seven-minute standoff and officers deployed stun guns, which failed to incapacitate him, according to Minch.
—Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
The violence and competing claims over responsibility highlight a deepening and increasingly deadly standoff between Damascus and Kurdish authorities who have resisted integrating into the central government.
—CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
Michael Massey stood off to the side during batting practice.
—Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025
Your philosophy may be challenged when Mercury stands off with Saturn.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoff
Noun
-
This unique wrap top has sharp shoulders, pockets, and a waist tie to lend a flattering shape.—
Olivia Cigliano,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Maduro had cultivated deep ties with both China and Russia.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
6 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
-
Some feel detached, as if the shock still lingered, and the realization of survival despite the improbability had not set in.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
23 Dec. 2025
-
Other structures out on the property include a detached and heated garage with studio space and a barn with horse stalls and a workshop.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
18 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The towns’ zoning boards turned back the various proposals, and state courts will now have to determine if their reasons were solid enough to satisfy the 8-30g standards.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Unable to turn back against the strong currents of the Napo, the party, now reduced to just 50, carried on downriver toward the Amazon.—
Stanley Stewart,
Travel + Leisure,
10 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
-
The recognition also reflects a shift at CES 2026, where many robotics companies emphasized real-world deployment timelines instead of distant promises.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Ole Miss likely had the rooting interest of many in America, and not only because the Rebels’ modest history in the sport boasted only one recognized national championship, and that one in distant 1960.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 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 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share