as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
she proved to be simply shy, not standoffish
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of standoffish
After several minutes of standoffish conversation, Cummings accused Arriola of trying to scam him.
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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
Harper is initially cold and standoffish, refusing even to pick up a champagne flute to collectively toast to their impending holiday together.
—Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Oct. 2022
That’s because these standoffish compounds don’t react to anything—not biological or other chemical agents.
—Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 22 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for standoffish 
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
Harper is initially cold and standoffish, refusing even to pick up a champagne flute to collectively toast to their impending holiday together.
—Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Oct. 2022
That’s because these standoffish compounds don’t react to anything—not biological or other chemical agents.
—Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 22 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for standoffish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoffish
Adjective
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Tankers were reloading water tankers were having to reload at other distant locations.Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
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The Sky Axe may have spoken, to those who knew its origins, of distant horizons; and now, thanks to the young woman who found it, the skies of the American Midwest are part of its story, too.Peter Ross, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But the detached garage and a guest cottage were destroyed, as were all but three or four of the 20 or so houses on their block near the Altadena Golf Course.Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
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Steps lead down to a heated swimming pool, and elsewhere on the property are fruit-bearing citrus trees, raised garden boxes and an original detached bomb shelter.Angela Serratore, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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But often during winter, the polar vortex will expand, bringing its cold air south and causing these notoriously large outbreaks of chilly temperatures.Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 17 Jan. 2025
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Fresh snow on the ground, bitterly cold air and wind gusts to 30 mph at times will generate wind chills — what the air feels like when combined with wind — in the single digits for the entire day.Mary Gilbert, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Those details amount to an author nudging depiction of a misunderstood wunderkind versus an aloof outsider.Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025
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Cats often get a bad rap for being independent and aloof.Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The elevation provides cooler temperatures and optimal sun exposure, contributing to the wine's notable acidity and freshness.Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
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Harrison Ford always keeps it cool, even when his colleagues are letting loose!Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Vacheron has always been more stately, more reserved, and in a way more true to its history than Patek and Audemars Piguet have been.Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2025
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Abel describes herself as an extrovert who thrives on storytelling and adventure, while Andy is more reserved and content with a quieter life.Maria Morava, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Pettersson is more withdrawn, more cerebral, more sensitive and certainly not prone to confrontation by nature.Chris Johnston, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
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Introverts may become talkative, or extroverts quiet and withdrawn.Dr. Talia Varley, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near standoffish
Cite this Entry
“Standoffish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoffish. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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