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
Relevance
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
Hired as a live-in caretaker in the opulent home, Ana Maria (Jenny Navarrete), a pregnant Colombian immigrant in Panama City hiding a major secret, develops a genuine bond with the initially standoffish Mechi, making for an unassumingly poignant and superbly acted two-hander.
—
Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Popular on Variety Kathleen and Emily’s dynamic is echoed in the slightly standoffish greeting Kathleen gives her aging mother.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 17 May 2024
In a talking-head interview with the two of them, Kaleena gets really standoffish when Alisha accidentally touches her foot.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for standoffish
Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Popular on Variety Kathleen and Emily’s dynamic is echoed in the slightly standoffish greeting Kathleen gives her aging mother.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 17 May 2024
In a talking-head interview with the two of them, Kaleena gets really standoffish when Alisha accidentally touches her foot.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for standoffish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoffish
Adjective
-
With her brother and his girlfriend still distant, she is left hoping time will ease the awkwardness created over one special dress.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
-
His competitors have become distant runners up.—
John Hyatt,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Due to his austere and detached manner, he is known to immediately inspire awe in his patients.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The relevance of The Lord is impossible to ignore, especially in the character of a British journalist, who is extremely detached and mercenary.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The fair also will feature two stages of music, an entertainment dome, mouthwatering festival food and plenty of cold beer.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Sep. 2025
-
In a study, the team describes how cooling a gas of radioactive atoms to temperatures colder than deep space could synchronize their radioactive decay.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Photo Credit Mario Galluci Schnitzer’s philanthropy defies the stereotype of the aloof collector.—
Stephan Rabimov,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Enid-as-Wednesday struggles to stay cool and aloof.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
With adjustable sleeves and a boxy fit, the Abercrombie & Fitch Cropped Trench Coat is a cool, lightweight layer for brisk evenings, and the army green shade is especially on-trend.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Because of its open-work design, the sweater makes a versatile choice for cool, end-of-summer nights and warm fall days.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
People.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Reservations include a reserved seat and access to the full menu.—
Nasha Smith,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Vigorously stir the noodles for a minute, adding some reserved cooking water, a tablespoon or two at a time, until the sauce is glossy and clings to the noodles.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Standoffish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoffish. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share