buttoned-up

adjective

but·​toned-up ˈbə-tᵊnd-ˈəp How to pronounce buttoned-up (audio)
Synonyms of buttoned-upnext
: coldly reserved or standoffish
a buttoned-up executive

Synonyms of buttoned-up

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Examples of buttoned-up in a Sentence

a buttoned-up colleague who had no interest in talking about anything but work, even at parties
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cowley was more buttoned-up and shrewd about getting on in the world. — Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Aidala is folksy, while Agnifilo is more buttoned-up. — ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026 The new offering, however, seems more buttoned-up. — Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026 The fun retro glasses seemed to rebel against gear that was getting as buttoned-up as the world, which has felt a bit heavier and more serious in the last five to ten years. — Lily Ritter, Outside, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for buttoned-up

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buttoned-up was in 1767

Rhymes for buttoned-up

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Browse Nearby Words

button ear
buttoned-up
buttoner
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Cite this Entry

“Buttoned-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buttoned-up. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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