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
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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
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Recent Examples of standoff
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
That standoff stretched for 35 days, leading to the furlough of more than 350,000 federal workers and forcing 400,000 others to work without pay.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Hudson also spoke with veteran backup quarterback Jameis Winston and spent much of the Giants’ ensuing defensive drive standing off to the side and away from his offensive teammates.
—Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Noun
The bitter standoff has been the most high-profile of the year, given the scale of the combatants and the timing of it in the middle of football season.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
That standoff stretched for 35 days, leading to the furlough of more than 350,000 federal workers and forcing 400,000 others to work without pay.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
Your philosophy may be challenged when Mercury stands off with Saturn.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Hudson also spoke with veteran backup quarterback Jameis Winston and spent much of the Giants’ ensuing defensive drive standing off to the side and away from his offensive teammates.
—Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 14 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
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In May 2021, one of the largest fuel pipeline systems in the United States was paralyzed when a cyberattack brought operations to an abrupt halt.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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But Friday night, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily paused that judicial order to allow time for an appeals court to decide whether to issue a more lasting halt.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
-
There’s turning back up until the deed is done.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
-
When Genevieve’s physics experiment at the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair goes explosively wrong, Ash jumps in to save the day, turning back time by a few minutes to prevent disaster.—
Caroline Carlson,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Not because this 2-2 draw at Sunderland provides cause for significant introspection.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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The teams met twice during the regular season, with both matches ending in 1-1 draws.—
Fernando Ramirez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
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
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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
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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
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While the commission’s enforcement team has characterized the agreement as a success story, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s office asked in two separate letters that the Coastal Commission hold off on approving the redevelopment project.—
Lori Weisberg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Nov. 2025
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The Golden State Warriors managed to hold off Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, earning a 118–107 victory despite Jimmy Butler leaving early with an injury and Stephen Curry battling an illness.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Standoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoff. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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