STANDOFFISHLY 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

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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Kloke, New York Times, 12 June 2026 Over the past two months, Searles-Harris had become increasingly standoffish and withdrawn, his neighbor Jimmy Smith told CNN Wednesday.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

Once such fallacious arguments were enthusiastically embraced, the horror of the Shoah was not far distant.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
While officials insist the demolitions are a non-negotiable step toward revitalizing the corridor along Old National Highway, the families and owners left in the wake of the bulldozers say true recovery remains a distant promise.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 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

That level of pure confidence while talking to the person with cold, hard footage is what makes Lisa Barlow the perfect Real Housewife.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Shea’s supervisor confronted her when Shea’s findings in a cold case could not be replicated.

— Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of cold

Adjective

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
The world, in other words, is currently being steered by people who don’t like it very much, and Artificial makes the case that this should be very alarming, albeit in a way that’s frustratingly aloof.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 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

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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of standoffish

adjective

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