standoffish

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As Divine Eye, Maclin anchors the fact-based film as a gruff, standoffish inhabitant of the New York maximum-security prison, who finds a surprising calling through theater workshops and live performance.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2024

He also knew his status - it was one of the reasons why he could appear standoffish to those he didn't know.

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2023

Over the course of seven years, we saw them morph from standoffish children — often bullied because of the complexion of their skin — to two young, confident leaders.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 4, 2023

At a 1988 talk, the journalist Paul Goldberger asked Portman about the standoffish design of his Times Square Marriott Marquis.

From Slate • Jul. 28, 2023

The three females were more standoffish, but they didn’t seem to mind Marc coming onto their island.

From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall