as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
she proved to be simply shy, not standoffish
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of standoffish
Canan is understandably standoffish when fielding the jibes and unsolicited career advice of the opposing side’s attorney.
—
Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2023
After several minutes of standoffish conversation, Cummings accused Arriola of trying to scam him.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2022
And Steve says, all of this just goes a long way toward the hospital, redefining its once really standoffish relationship with the surrounding neighborhoods.
—Laura Johnston, cleveland, 7 Nov. 2022
Harper is initially cold and standoffish, refusing even to pick up a champagne flute to collectively toast to their impending holiday together.
—Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for standoffish
Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2023
After several minutes of standoffish conversation, Cummings accused Arriola of trying to scam him.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2022
And Steve says, all of this just goes a long way toward the hospital, redefining its once really standoffish relationship with the surrounding neighborhoods.
—Laura Johnston, cleveland, 7 Nov. 2022
Harper is initially cold and standoffish, refusing even to pick up a champagne flute to collectively toast to their impending holiday together.
—Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for standoffish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoffish
Adjective
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Growing up, my family would occasionally pile into the car and drive to distant locations for very brief vacations.—
Jason Foodman,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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The Iranian regime’s nuclear ambitions are not some distant diplomatic dispute.—
Laurence Milstein,
Sun Sentinel,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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There’s a gated driveway and car port tucked way off and alley, and a detached prefab ADU by Jason Halter of Wonder has a outside entrance from the street and adds another bedroom.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
14 June 2025
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Managing national security affairs is not a detached experiment.—
Arthur House,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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And Some Ice Cream Cream City Ice Cream & Coffeehouse has more than 40 homemade flavors to choose from, plus hot and cold espresso drinks.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
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Other ways to stay safe during the heat wave include drinking lots of water, wearing light clothing, keeping ovens and stoves shut off and cooling off with a cold bath or ice packs, officials said.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Amid uncertainty over the region's direction, Arab states are eager to assert leadership and welcome checks on Iranian influence while still standing aloof from Israel and critical of its actions.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
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Again, audiences remained aloof. Undaunted, Jeffreys continued issuing new work through 2017 with 14 Steps to Harlem.—
Jim Farber,
Rolling Stone,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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People are urged to stay cool, but that's proving difficult for thousands in Adams County who have been without power since Sunday night, WGAL reported.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
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Experts say there are ways to save while still staying cool this summer.—
Talia Wexler,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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And after all of that: a reserved viewing space on Pier 17.—
Laurie Werner,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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Eastern Conference executive No. 2: More quiet, on the reserved side.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.—
Dominick Williams,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
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People become irritable, withdrawn, or hyper-independent.—
Barnaby Lashbrooke,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Standoffish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoffish. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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