standoffish

adjective

stand-ˈȯ-fish How to pronounce standoffish (audio)
Definition of standoffishnext
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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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 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Kloke, New York Times, 12 June 2026 Over the past two months, Searles-Harris had become increasingly standoffish and withdrawn, his neighbor Jimmy Smith told CNN Wednesday.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
  1. distant
  2. detached
  3. cold
  4. aloof
  5. cool
  6. reserved
  7. withdrawn
Adjective
  • An exuberant pre-dawn sky — filled with large, bright stars, a luminous crescent moon, and blue and white swirls — dominates the landscape featuring a prominent cypress tree and distant hillside village.
    — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The changes include allowing the adoption of distant male relatives raised as commoners to become royals and father future heirs, and letting princesses keep their royal status after marrying commoners.
    — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • There’s also an indoor-outdoor dog run, as well as a detached guesthouse with its own kitchen and bath and a seven-car garage sporting a Tesla charging station.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Goldfish centers on a 17-year-old high school senior who presents as detached, ironic and emotionally armored, but underneath is quietly paralyzed by fear of failure, abandonment and becoming his parents.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of detached
Adjective
  • The instigating weather system bringing the risk to the Southwest is an upper-level low — or a high altitude pocket of cold air, low pressure and spin.
    — Jamie Ross, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The case went cold until 2014, when Stockwell was located and interviewed by cold case detectives.
    — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 21 Oct. 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
  • On Monday, high temperatures won’t climb past the low 70s as a westerly breeze from the Delta carries cooler air inland to Sacramento.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be cloudy and cool, with highs topping out in the mid-60s and lower 70s, according to the weather service.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • Top with reserved sausage and mushrooms, red onion, bell pepper, pepperoni and olives.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The reaction from the Greek government was decidedly more reserved, reflecting its desire to maintain close ties with Washington.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • 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
  • The withdrawn earnings are taxed as ordinary income, the Treasury said.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Definition of withdrawn

Browse Nearby Words

stand off
standoffish
standoffs
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Cite this Entry

“Standoffish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoffish. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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