standoff 1 of 3

noun

ˈstand-ˌȯf How to pronounce standoff (audio)
Definition of standoffnext
1
as in tie
a situation in which neither participant in a contest, competition, or struggle comes out ahead of the other after two hours they had played to a 5-5 standoff

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2
as in halt
a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in the standoff continued for three days before the fugitive gave himself up to the authorities

Synonyms & Similar Words

standoff

2 of 3

adjective

as in detached
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others the client's standoff attitude suggested that this was going to be a strictly business relationship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stand off

3 of 3

verb

as in to turn back

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Dissimilar Words

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 standoff
Noun
This dwindling buffer forces the nation into a high-stakes standoff against the uncompromising laws of fluid dynamics, immense geological forces, strict federal statutes, and relentless geopolitical pressure. — Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 The ethnic standoff, first instigated by land disputes, adds another layer to the country’s ongoing civil war which broke out in April 2023 between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
As players sank into their chairs and coaches stood off to the side with their arms across their chests, Butera and president of baseball operations Paul Toboni talked through their priorities and their burgeoning identity. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 25 May 2026 Comparison can be a slippery slope as the moon stands off with Chiron. — Usa Today, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for standoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoff
  1. tie
  2. halt
  3. detached
  4. turn back
  5. draw
  6. impasse
  7. distant
  8. hold off
Noun
  • The scene outside a district court just miles away from LSU's campus was the epicenter of college athletics, as the NCAA and SEC appeared in court to argue their case against athletes with NFL ties returning to college athletics.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • With the performances in the team’s exhibition slate being close and neither separating themselves in training camp, the tie went to how Howell performed off the field.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of tie
Noun
  • Iran however said a supertanker that had caught fire over the weekend had struck two naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, bringing it to a halt.
    — Jane Arraf, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Upon arrival, Gideon slowly grows more suspicious of the theories as to why their 30-year friendship screeched to such an abrupt halt, but also of the reports of Gillian’s fatal accident.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of halt
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
Verb
  • The 42-year-old turned back the clock Sunday, with 10 strikeouts in seven scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • At 47, there is room for this stock to turn back up without fighting an overbought reading.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of turn back
Noun
  • The decision to present Nico to the St James’ crowd ahead of the West Bromwich Albion Carabao Cup tie was inspired, perpetuating the positivity brought about by the training-ground announcement and opening-day Liverpool draw.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Balloon flights are one of the region’s biggest draws, and so the most reputable operators can fill up weeks ahead, particularly from spring to autumn.
    — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of draw
Noun
  • But lawmakers of both parties are eager to avoid another impasse and would prefer to get back to their districts to campaign before the election.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • However, almost as quickly as talks between the parties hit an impasse, Spyder went on the offense and sued Mementum.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of impasse
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
Verb
  • The Case for Getting Ahead of It Some owners hold off on upgrading their systems until growth forces the issue.
    — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But some doubt the promises and appealed to commissioners to hold off a little longer.
    — Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of hold off

Phrases Containing standoff

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stand-ins
standoff
stand off
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Cite this Entry

“Standoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoff. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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