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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of standoff
Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026
The war is now subject to a shaky cease-fire as the United States and Iran continue an extended standoff over control of the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway for global energy supplies that Iran has effectively closed.
—Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
The National Guard, police and protesters stand off outside of a downtown jail in Los Angeles following two days of clashes with police during a series of immigration raids on June 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Noun
Fresno man murdered children during police standoff Mass murderer and child rapist Marcus Wesson murdered nine of his children in 2004 during a custody dispute that led to a police standoff in Fresno.
—Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026
The war is now subject to a shaky cease-fire as the United States and Iran continue an extended standoff over control of the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway for global energy supplies that Iran has effectively closed.
—Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
Verb
Maybe we’re supposed to believe that that promise is what compels Lee to stand off against Frank at One Well when a smart man would be running out the door.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
The National Guard, police and protesters stand off outside of a downtown jail in Los Angeles following two days of clashes with police during a series of immigration raids on June 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoff
Noun
-
Meta’s top-tier Ray-Ban Display augmented reality smart glasses offer impressive hardware, but PCMag’s review found the software limited, with too many ties to Meta’s own apps.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
15 May 2026
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But the Wolverines also beat Wisconsin and Illinois teams that were ranked at kickoff, shut out Michigan State, blasted Penn State 33-11 and upset Ohio State 38-26 in Columbus to put themselves in a three-way tie for the Big Ten title with Northwestern and Purdue.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
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The closing scene, from Cleveland’s perspective, was pain, the sting of a blown 3-1 series lead and the screeching halt of an improbable, magical journey.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
Eventually, the whole charge pump will grind to a halt, leaving no current flow.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The film centers on a pickpocket who survives by exploiting the desires of closeted men, until his detached worldview is upended when one of his marks returns seeking closeness rather than settling scores.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 May 2026
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This is one reason why a partner of someone with avoidant attachment may perceive their partner as emotionally unavailable, overly self-sufficient, detached or distant or resistant to commitment.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Since the 2023 rule changes meant to speed up the game on the mound, baseball has unmistakably turned back the clock on the bases.—
Chad Jennings,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
In 1961, Castro helped turn back the Bay of Pigs invasion supported by the Kennedy Administration, often executing the wishes of his brother.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
21 May 2026
Noun
-
Due to a knee injury, Matt Doherty, who was in the Wolves team for that 2-2 draw with Everton in August 2018, did not even get in the squad on Sunday on what might have been his final day at Molineux as a Wolves player.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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And while talent, crews and infrastructure remain a draw, tax credits, currency savings and government rebates are the real superpower.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
Noun
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The latest impasse leaves the ceasefire between the two sides in an increasingly uncertain place as the global economy gets hit by the war’s impact on trade.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
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The Senate unanimously approved a resolution to withhold lawmakers’ pay during government shutdowns, aiming to encourage faster resolution of federal budget impasses after record-breaking closures.—
Joey Cappelletti,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Stanford-within-Stanford Baker exposes matters to you even if this exclusive core feels impossibly distant.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
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If all goes to plan, that prototype, known as Version 3 (V3,) will be the one to reach orbit and be capable of refueling midflight – a capability that will allow for distant missions into space.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Bank of America analysts predicted last week the Fed will hold off on lowering rates until the second half of 2027, pointing to an uptick in inflation and strong jobs numbers.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
-
Four years later, the Timberwolves are right on the brink again, and Finch may have to think of making another dramatic change to hold off Victor Wembanyama and the relentless San Antonio Spurs.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Standoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoff. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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