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
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Recent Examples of standoff
Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
But Tehran and Washington remain in a standoff over the key waterway, with wider ceasefire talks continuing to stall.
—Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
The National Guard, police and protesters stand off outside of a downtown jail in Los Angeles following two days of clashes with police during a series of immigration raids on June 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Noun
The May 12 episode of Summer House picks up in the middle of Kyle's standoff with longtime friend and housemate Carl Radke.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
But Tehran and Washington remain in a standoff over the key waterway, with wider ceasefire talks continuing to stall.
—Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 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
The National Guard, police and protesters stand off outside of a downtown jail in Los Angeles following two days of clashes with police during a series of immigration raids on June 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoff
Noun
-
Last Saturday marked the fourth time this season the club lost a win or a tie after the 80th minute.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
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That puts him in a tie with four other players for the league lead in goals, including Marner, who now paces the NHL in points with 13.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
Noun
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At the climax, the music, seemingly stuck in a digital rut, comes to a halt as a static image of Charli is busted through by a bunch of young men seemingly bringing a mosh pit out into the open.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
8 May 2026
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So far, Aoun has refused to engage in face-to-face discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding a complete halt to Israeli fire on the country.—
Mustafa Qadri,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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This is one reason why a partner of someone with avoidant attachment may perceive their partner as emotionally unavailable, overly self-sufficient, detached or distant or resistant to commitment.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
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The price gap Condos generally cost less than detached homes, which is why first-time buyers often start there.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Sunset and the other arteries became metal chokepoints; engines were rerouted or turned back.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
-
Repairs were finally completed in October 2025 and on Wednesday, the fountain was turned back on.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
The top two teams in MLS played to a 1-1 draw Saturday night at PayPal Park.—
Harold Gutmann,
Mercury News,
10 May 2026
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The farthest stretches of the South American continent are a strong draw for bird-watchers, National Geographic author and birding expert Noah Strycker said.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
10 May 2026
Noun
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Leadership stated on April 28 that the two sides had reached an impasse and that its last offer, made on April 8, was final.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
8 May 2026
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The district and the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association had been at impasse since November.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
The hotel is on a block next to a major road, but the noise is more of a distant city hum than a nuisance.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
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The forces shaping our lives can often feel distant, abstract, and impossible to grasp — but through adventure, investigation, and deeply human storytelling, The Human Element inspires a sense of hope and connection.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
And local soccer fans may want to hold off on the chants.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
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With the latest employment report showing signs of improvement in the labor market, Angelo Kourkafas, senior strategist at Edward Jones, said the Federal Reserve will likely hold off on interest rate cuts as policymakers assess the impact of surging energy costs from the Iran war.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Standoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoff. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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