as in detached
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
a buttoned-up colleague who had no interest in talking about anything but work, even at parties
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Recent Examples of buttoned (up)
Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 24 June 2025
One was that league investigators would be more buttoned-up and by the book, with the benefit of attorney-client privilege as well.
—Evan Drellich, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Jost is clean-cut and buttoned-up; Sherman is young and hip.
—Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
Both teams were so buttoned-up defensively that the best players had to fight for every inch.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Is their family more buttoned-up?
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025
Brown may never be called buttoned-up.
—Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Most people on LinkedIn try to be professional, buttoned-up, and safe.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
After centuries of weathering and exposure, the colors seen in historical homes today can appear muted and buttoned-up, even drab.
—Cornelia Powers, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
In an industry that can feel so buttoned-up, Bashment offers something sacred: release.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 24 June 2025
One was that league investigators would be more buttoned-up and by the book, with the benefit of attorney-client privilege as well.
—Evan Drellich, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Jost is clean-cut and buttoned-up; Sherman is young and hip.
—Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
Both teams were so buttoned-up defensively that the best players had to fight for every inch.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Is their family more buttoned-up?
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025
Brown may never be called buttoned-up.
—Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Most people on LinkedIn try to be professional, buttoned-up, and safe.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
After centuries of weathering and exposure, the colors seen in historical homes today can appear muted and buttoned-up, even drab.
—Cornelia Powers, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttoned (up)
Adjective
-
White Lake Township Chief of Police Daniel Keller said in a news release the homeowner was alerted through his video surveillance system that seven individuals had broken into his detached garage.—
Mike Stunson
July 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 July 2025
-
The house features five bedrooms and one bathrooms. 5. $2.1 million, single-family residence in the 6100 block of Contra Costa Road The sale of the detached house in the 6100 block of Contra Costa Road in Oakland has been finalized.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
For mid-century home buyers, the costs of our suburban revolution were distant.—
Marina Bolotnikova,
Vox,
7 July 2025
-
Since his 1938 debut in Action Comics No. 1, one home for Superman has been America, even though he was born on a distant planet.—
Samantha Baskind,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
For evening or colder climates, go with the Parallel Pant.—
Rebecca Deurlein,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Everyone’s temperature preferences differ—some sleep hot, others cold.—
Alyssa Hui-Anderson,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
This keeps living spaces cooler and saves money, CEO of Green Doors Joseph Holman told the outlet, as air conditioning units don't have to work as hard to keep spaces chilled.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
6 July 2025
-
The floral prints just feel right everywhere, from the lavender fields of Provence to the vibrant streets of Lisbon, and the lightweight fabric keeps me cool in the hottest temperatures.—
Claire Gallam,
Travel + Leisure,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Tickets are $125 per person and include Turf Club admission, a reserved table seat, two appetizers, two drink tickets (for premium cocktails, wine or beer), and chips and guacamole for the table.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
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By the end, Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece had spent five minutes of the county's weekly public meeting demanding answers as to why a construction worker had prevented her from parking in her reserved spot, marked with a cone.—
Scott Wartman,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buttoned (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttoned%20%28up%29. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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