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
Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
The standoff has lasted far longer than the last stalemate in January 2019 which lasted 11 days.
—Brad Adgate, Forbes, 6 Nov. 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 
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.
Noun
The standoff began after police were called to a home in the 1000 block of Stonecrest Drive about 3:43 p.m. Friday, according to an Antioch police press release.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
The standoff has lasted far longer than the last stalemate in January 2019 which lasted 11 days.
—Brad Adgate, Forbes, 6 Nov. 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 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share