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
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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
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
Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
But Tehran and Washington remain in a standoff over the key waterway, with wider ceasefire talks continuing to stall.
—Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Los Angeles Times, 13 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
The May 12 episode of Summer House picks up in the middle of Kyle's standoff with longtime friend and housemate Carl Radke.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
But Tehran and Washington remain in a standoff over the key waterway, with wider ceasefire talks continuing to stall.
—Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Los Angeles Times, 13 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
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Eventually, the whole charge pump will grind to a halt, leaving no current flow.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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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
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The price gap Condos generally cost less than detached homes, which is why first-time buyers often start there.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Sunset and the other arteries became metal chokepoints; engines were rerouted or turned back.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
-
Repairs were finally completed in October 2025 and on Wednesday, the fountain was turned back on.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Noun
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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
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The hotel is on a block next to a major road, but the noise is more of a distant city hum than a nuisance.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
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The forces shaping our lives can often feel distant, abstract, and impossible to grasp — but through adventure, investigation, and deeply human storytelling, The Human Element inspires a sense of hope and connection.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
13 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
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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 20 May. 2026.
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