standoffishness

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.

On a reconnaissance mission, Jessie climbs to the roof and discovers the root of this strange standoffishness: Every child, in every window, has their face glued to a screen.

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2026

Perhaps that will change as monarch, but as Prince of Wales he developed an affable, grandfatherly style, with no standoffishness.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2022

Virginia Tech is more than willing to conjure Beamer nostalgia to erase the perceived standoffishness of Fuente.

From Washington Post • Aug. 17, 2022

This kind of standoffishness, saying Black people need to just be for Black people, is not Cedric’s position at all.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2021

Of Mia’s—well, standoffishness, even as she spent hours a day in Mrs. Richardson’s own home, in this very kitchen.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng