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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of standoff
Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Video shows the tense standoff between police and protesters in Midtown Sacramento when officers respond to an object thrown at them by shooting less lethal rounds.
—Steve Large, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
As Morgan and Sasha chat it up at Noah’s family’s Purim party, a sad-eyed Esther stands off to the side, quietly watching the interaction.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Noun
Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have also been involved in the territorial standoffs but have avoided condemning China’s assertiveness.
—Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Video shows the tense standoff between police and protesters in Midtown Sacramento when officers respond to an object thrown at them by shooting less lethal rounds.
—Steve Large, CBS News, 10 Feb. 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
As Morgan and Sasha chat it up at Noah’s family’s Purim party, a sad-eyed Esther stands off to the side, quietly watching the interaction.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoff
Noun
-
In bond determinations, judges are required to consider factors such as the nature and circumstances of the offense, a defendant’s criminal history, ties to the community, and risk of flight or danger to others.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The elaborate game plan involved identifying powerful targets like the Musk brothers, using women and intermediaries to forge stronger ties with the target, and then relentlessly trying to insert himself into their circles.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This marked the end of the strike, which brought the San Francisco Unified School District to a halt for the first time in over 45 years.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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Doja Cat‘s South African homecoming may have been brought to a halt when Hey Neighbour festival canceled its 2025 staging, but the Grammy winner will finally get to visit her motherland this spring.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Yes, all of these songs coast primarily on vibes—Joji’s delivery remains detached and clinical throughout—but at least the vibes are compelling.—
Mehan Jayasuriya,
Pitchfork,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Then, a crowd of fans — many in flannel shirts and ski caps despite an unseasonably warm February night outside — took him in politely, if a little detached.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The actions continue the administration’s efforts to turn back the clock on the transition to cleaner energy and reverse efforts to address climate change.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The protesters stopped at a Kroger and held signs to cars passing by, then turned back around down Bailey Boswell Road and headed back to Boswell High.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Hoosier Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.—
Staff Reports,
The Providence Journal,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Parents like de Ayora said the stakes are high for families and students if the impasse continues.—
Da Lin,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The final step in the negotiations — an impasse hearing — is expected to take place in the coming weeks.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But despite some intriguing production, Joji still feels distant and unknowable.—
Mehan Jayasuriya,
Pitchfork,
11 Feb. 2026
-
This isn’t some distant future.—
Brent Saunders,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Stolz needed to hold off on celebrating until another competitor got the chance for a reskate, then soon enough was able to smile while leaning forward to receive his gold for winning the men’s 1,000 meters at the Milan Cortina Games in an Olympic-record time.—
Howard Fendrich,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Rain chances will hold off until the afternoon.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Standoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoff. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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