STANDOFFISH Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

standoffish

adjective

stand-ˈȯ-fish

Definition of standoffish

as in distant

having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others she proved to be simply shy, not standoffish

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 standoffish Don’t mistake him for being standoffish, though. — Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 12 June 2026 Over the past two months, Searles-Harris had become increasingly standoffish and withdrawn, his neighbor Jimmy Smith told CNN Wednesday. — Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 4 June 2026 This creates a mini-crisis until he gets replaced by Matt (Chosen Jacobs), a bit of a standoffish kid who now must step up. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026 The boy was quiet, even standoffish, when Steve Montgomery first met him 15 years ago. — Taylor Batten, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for standoffish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoffish

Adjective

Another fascinating possibility nuclear-electric thrusters open is missions into interstellar space and the distant Oort cloud within a single lifetime.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
The metropolis appears to be on the outside looking in, with Las Vegas and Seattle considered distant frontrunners to land the 31st and 32nd teams.

— Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of distant

Adjective

Safety regulators said that an exterior panel on the vehicle could become detached while driving, creating a hazardous environment for other vehicles.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Many clutched their pearls at the teen’s indifference, but the clip went viral as younger audiences embraced his detached demeanor.

— Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of detached

Adjective

Slanting rays of cold November sunlight picked out every point on his big rack and colored them a rich antique ivory.

— ANGUS CAMERON, Outdoor Life, 11 Nov. 2026
Jim Davies, a member of the El Dorado County Fish and Wildlife Commission, said collisions become particularly troublesome when migratory deer move from the Sierra Nevada into the foothills and valley during colder months.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of cold

Adjective

Where Thomas is aloof and proud, Erika is prickly and sardonic, excellent tools for protecting a surprisingly fragile heart.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
And blondes will find a path that diverges—wintery vanilla for an aloof, icy look or buttery almond for a cozy blonde that still turns heads.

— Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of aloof

Adjective

Transfer to bowl with reserved dressing and toss to coat evenly.

— Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
The figure most responsible for this was Robert Katzman, a reserved, soft-spoken neurologist who chaired the department at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in the Bronx.

— Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of reserved

Adjective

The withdrawn application had requested approval to build a 166,000-square-foot warehouse on a parcel off Hill Road between State Highway 55 and North Horseshoe Bend Road, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.

— Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 26 Oct. 2026
In an era of ball-to-feet No 10s and withdrawn strikers, Welbeck stays high up the pitch, runs the channels and occupies defenders.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of withdrawn

Browse Nearby Words

stand off

standoffish

standoffs

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“Standoffish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoffish. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of standoffish

adjective

Example Sentences

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