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
Her earthy, extroverted manner contrasts with the more reserved, standoffish Starmer, a former human rights lawyer.
—
Max Foster, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
DeVito, on the other hand, was a series regular on all five seasons, portraying Louie De Palma, the standoffish head dispatcher of the Sunshine Cab Company.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Ozzy was standoffish, didn't like to play, and refused to let Sunny lay near him.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
The opening match between Finland and Iceland was incredibly standoffish, with neither side looking to close down in the opposition’s half at all.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoffish
Max Foster, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
DeVito, on the other hand, was a series regular on all five seasons, portraying Louie De Palma, the standoffish head dispatcher of the Sunshine Cab Company.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Ozzy was standoffish, didn't like to play, and refused to let Sunny lay near him.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
The opening match between Finland and Iceland was incredibly standoffish, with neither side looking to close down in the opposition’s half at all.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoffish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoffish
Adjective
-
Nuno’s habitual talk of ‘bonds’ and understanding feels like a distant memory.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
For deep-space science, the ability to launch heavier, more complex instruments means more ambitious missions, from sample-return expeditions to Jupiter’s moons to large-scale observatories parked in distant orbits.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
But in listening to separate end-of-season reflections from Tucker and Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, both sides sound detached.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
In the detached home market, there are 9,001 active listings year-to-date, according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors’ monthly report.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Take a break from basic vanilla and step into fall with a refreshing apple cold foam.—
Kylie Petty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Pumpkin spice beverages and apple cider are popular fall drinks that can be enjoyed warm or cold.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Kincaid has the rare ability to shift between aloof, emotionally-distant narrators and a warm autobiographical register.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Throughout those seasons, Benedict was the aloof middle brother, too busy drinking too much and partaking in gender-indiscriminate dalliances to want to settle down.—
Kathleen Newman-Bremang,
Refinery29,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Two reps later, Nix saw blitz and — with a veteran’s cool — checked into a quick-hit to Evan Engram, who sped for 20 yards.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Shrimp boats bob in the harbor, American flags flutter from pastel porches and old oak trees draped in Spanish moss offer cool shade.—
Noreen Kompanik,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Serve with reserved cranberry mixture, if desired.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Add the reserved chicken and remaining ½ cup broth.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
18 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share