stand·off
ˈstand-ˌȯf 
1
2
: used for holding something at a distance from a surface
a standoff insulator
stood off; standing off; stands off
Synonyms
Examples of standoff in a Sentence
Noun
The two governments are currently in a standoff over who has rights to the land.
after two hours they had played to a 5–5 standoff
Adjective
the client's standoff attitude suggested that this was going to be a strictly business relationship
Recent Examples on the Web
Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
However, those ambitions have yet to gain traction, even amid debt ceiling standoffs and government shutdowns.
—Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024
Slater came out of the facility and stood off to the side of the practice fields.
—Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 27 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for standoff 
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Noun
Ohio police have finally solved the 1981 cold case murder of 18-year-old Debbie Lee Miller, but the killer will never face justice because of a deadly standoff.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
However, those ambitions have yet to gain traction, even amid debt ceiling standoffs and government shutdowns.
—Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
Hidden desires come into the light when the sun stands off with Uranus.
—USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024
Slater came out of the facility and stood off to the side of the practice fields.
—Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 27 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for standoff
Dictionary Entries Near standoff
Cite this Entry
“Standoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standoff. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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