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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of standoffish
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
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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Only the families that did not have second homes or relations in distant lands sent their daughters onto the ship.—
Sheila Heti,
The New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2025
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Only the Colorado Rockies, a distant 20th at $129.9 million, have decided not to join in the spending.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Remove anything flammable from within a 5 feet perimeter of your home and any detached buildings, such as dry leaves and pine needles.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA TODAY,
12 Jan. 2025
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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
Adjective
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But Posey’s first significant trade as president of baseball operations required a bit of a cold touch.—
Andrew Baggarly,
The Athletic,
30 Jan. 2025
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Photo : Carter Tanton The terraced grounds host a pool and spa, cold plunge, sauna, and several alfresco lounging spots.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Billy Strings and Jack White brought their coolly aloof swagger of being in the moment but above the fray of the grooving rhythms underpinning their virtuosity to Perkins songs.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
USA TODAY,
16 Jan. 2025
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There’s nothing floating or aloof, however, about Scherzinger’s performance.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
20 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Health inspectors found a carton of cigarettes on top of a cooler next to a walk-in freezer.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacramento Bee,
31 Jan. 2025
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Intermountain: Idaho, Nevada, Utah, parts of Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and New Mexico Temperatures will be warmer than normal in April (4 degrees Fahrenheit above average), but cooler than normal in May (3 degrees Fahrenheit below average).—
Mike Snider,
USA TODAY,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Tickets are $20 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission, $15 for students.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2025
-
Nestle the cauliflower in the sauce, then sprinkle with the reserved onion, the cilantro, and almonds.—
Joe Yonan,
Saveur,
23 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 3 Feb. 2025.
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