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
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Recent Examples of standoffish
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
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
After several minutes of standoffish conversation, Cummings accused Arriola of trying to scam him.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2022
And Steve says, all of this just goes a long way toward the hospital, redefining its once really standoffish relationship with the surrounding neighborhoods.
—Laura Johnston, cleveland, 7 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for standoffish
Jessica Kiang, Variety, 17 May 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
After several minutes of standoffish conversation, Cummings accused Arriola of trying to scam him.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2022
And Steve says, all of this just goes a long way toward the hospital, redefining its once really standoffish relationship with the surrounding neighborhoods.
—Laura Johnston, cleveland, 7 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for standoffish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoffish
Adjective
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And with their echo for an instant echoes of the first poetry in our lives come back like music that fades into the distant night.—
Gregory Jusdanis,
Literary Hub,
12 Aug. 2025
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The future of regenerative medicine, once hypothetical and distant, now approaches with real hope for curing—not simply managing—a host of devastating chronic conditions.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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And, true to Hidden Hills’ equestrian roots, a detached horse stable stands ready to support an active lifestyle.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
4 Aug. 2025
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Someone Almost Killed Thing Before the identities of the Hyde and its master were revealed, someone stabbed Thing, the detached hand that is the Addams family’s companion, in the back and left him hanging in Wednesday’s room.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Police are making a plea to the public once again for help solving a cold case on the 14th anniversary of a couple being shot and killed in Norwalk.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
6 Aug. 2025
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The Sanctuary wellness retreat will feature fitness studios, cold plunge pools, saunas and massage rooms.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Matera, in southern Italy, almost didn’t make the cut because its cats were skittish and aloof.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 July 2025
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Dream’s imperious and aloof parents, Time (Rufus Sewell) and Night (Tanya Moodie), are disinterested in Dream’s desire to help Orpheus, devoted to their own singular missions, and responsible for some of the second season’s most stunning imagery through their inky-dark and jungle-green realms.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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There’s a moment in indie film right now where there’s a lot of cool films and theaters, and people are going, if not in huge numbers.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
8 Aug. 2025
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Allow to set-up to firm in cool place on kitchen counter or in refrigerator.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Greyhound assigned seating and conflict There’s not widespread awareness of the policy, and some passengers meet with resistance from others who have settled into reserved seats not assigned to them and are reluctant to give them up.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
5 Aug. 2025
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The school will provided ticketed reserved sections for football and basketball.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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 21 Aug. 2025.
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