standoffish

adjective

stand-ˈȯ-fish How to pronounce standoffish (audio)
Definition of standoffishnext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of standoffish Over the past two months, Searles-Harris had become increasingly standoffish and withdrawn, his neighbor Jimmy Smith told CNN Wednesday. — Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 4 June 2026 While the past ten months have grown other characters’ confidence — Whitaker and Javadi both seem more comfortable in the ER on this Fourth of July weekend — Robby is now paranoid and standoffish, especially in the face of his replacement. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026 This creates a mini-crisis until he gets replaced by Matt (Chosen Jacobs), a bit of a standoffish kid who now must step up. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026 The boy was quiet, even standoffish, when Steve Montgomery first met him 15 years ago. — Taylor Batten, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for standoffish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoffish
  1. distant
  2. detached
  3. cold
  4. aloof
  5. cool
  6. reserved
  7. withdrawn
Adjective
  • Its real-time viewing feature can show the home environment and help distant family members feel more connected.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • After some major modifications, it's set to begin its five-year mission peering at new supernovas, distant galaxies and planets orbiting stars outside our solar system.
    — Berly McCoy, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • The former Feyenoord boss stood accused of being too detached from the local fanbase.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Supervisors also supported language that would allow detached guest houses to be used as vacation rentals.
    — Haley Parsley August 20, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of detached
Adjective
  • Loco is known for its casual and rustic atmosphere, barbecue comfort food and cold drinks.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Summer is typically the most expensive time to pick up a lease, with asking prices falling in colder months, according to historical Apartment List data.
    — Mark Dee August 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • Khalil is unfailingly polite, in a way that can come across as mannered, almost aloof.
    — Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Technically very good, but also a little aloof, while getting good results without appearing to try desperately hard to impress you.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of aloof
Adjective
  • Crews may benefit from slightly cooler temperatures in the days ahead, Gass said, and wind conditions are expected to remain fairly calm in both areas.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But this is largely a myth, concocted by critics and cool kids to explain away and undercut the popularity of their music.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • Guzman Soto was quiet, reserved and religious and regularly attended local church groups and Bible studies, a 32-year-old neighbor who declined to give his name said.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Feliciano sounded the same theme, if in a more reserved tone.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • In an era of ball-to-feet No 10s and withdrawn strikers, Welbeck stays high up the pitch, runs the channels and occupies defenders.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • The withdrawn earnings are taxed as ordinary income, the Treasury said.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Definition of withdrawn

Browse Nearby Words

stand off
standoffish
standoffs
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Standoffish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoffish. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dissonant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All