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
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Recent Examples of standoff
Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025
But Austin also covets Lee’s swaggering freedom, and their standoff echoes the climaxes of the Western films Lee adores.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2024
Hidden desires come into the light when the sun stands off with Uranus.
—USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Noun
The standoff, during which thousands of rounds of ammunition were exchanged between the Bixbys and police, stemmed from an attempt by the South Carolina Department of Transportation to widen a highway by using an easement on Bixby property.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025
But Austin also covets Lee’s swaggering freedom, and their standoff echoes the climaxes of the Western films Lee adores.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
As the celebration unfolded in front of him, O’Connell stood off to the side by himself, smiling and shaking his head.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2024
Hidden desires come into the light when the sun stands off with Uranus.
—USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoff
Noun
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There was a four-way tie for fourth place, with Rubio, Ramaswamy, Haley and Kennedy all receiving 3% support.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
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The home run was the fifth of the season for Suárez, who broke a tie with the Yankees’ Aaron Judge for the major league lead.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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One unique thing Reno fit into it is a short sound around the 1:35 mark that sounds like a car screeching to a halt.—
Tom Roland,
Billboard,
8 Apr. 2025
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Rather than dwell on this possibility, or call for a halt to further investments until the federal funding picture resolves, supervisors instead took turns bidding Bergmann farewell and welcoming acting director Nadia Privara.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In addition to the main floor porch, the property has a large detached deck close to shore for waterside entertaining. Take a look around...—
Audrey Kennedy,
Axios,
17 Jan. 2025
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The property comes with a detached garage with a stylish glass garage door and a car charger.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Pic suffered a tough break when, shortly into the premiere showing at Roy Thomson Hall when the propulsive narrative was just taking off, the film had to be halted and the lights turned back on because of a medical emergency suffered by a ticketholder.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2025
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Palestinians have appeared ready for peace in the past, only to turn back to rejection and terrorism.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The last two times these clubs have matched up, the result has ended in a draw.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
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Van Nistelrooy’s first three games brought a defeat, a victory and a draw; his fourth, on December 14, was a visit to Newcastle, who were navel-gazing after a damaging 4-2 defeat at Brentford.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The impasse raises the likelihood that the debt ceiling will be dealt with separately as part of a deal with the Democrats on wildfire aid later this year.—
David Sivak,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
25 Mar. 2025
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Don't be surprised if Beijing and Washington use this impasse as a bargaining chip in tariff talks.—
Dan Primack,
Axios,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Placing in a distant second was Trump Jr., with 12%.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
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To be clear: The consumer version of a psychiatric BCI like Inner Cosmos’ Digital Pill may be just as distant or hypothetical as any other BCI.—
Naveen Rao,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The full Senate for nearly two months had held off on voting on her ambassadorship nomination, after it was recommended by the Foreign Relations Committee, because of concerns that her departure from the House would threaten Trump’s legislative agenda.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2025
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Stephan Jaeger held off Scottie Scheffler to win the event last year, but who will win it all in 2025?—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Standoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoff. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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