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
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2024
In the meantime, the standoff with Stellantis over Belvidere has led the UAW to threaten to strike as early as October.
—Tom Krisher, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2024
After a six-month standoff, lawmakers eventually agreed to contribute $197 million in state money.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2024
Nearly 2,000 officers had surrounded the church compound, where Quiboloy was believed to be hiding, in a violent standoff with the preacher’s followers.
—Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for standoff 
Noun
The move comes as Disney remains in a standoff with DirecTV over linear carriage for 16 networks, which went dark on the major pay-TV distributor on September 1.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2024
In the meantime, the standoff with Stellantis over Belvidere has led the UAW to threaten to strike as early as October.
—Tom Krisher, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2024
After a six-month standoff, lawmakers eventually agreed to contribute $197 million in state money.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2024
Nearly 2,000 officers had surrounded the church compound, where Quiboloy was believed to be hiding, in a violent standoff with the preacher’s followers.
—Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for standoff
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'standoff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near standoff
Cite this Entry
“Standoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standoff. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
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