mushy

adjective

ˈmə-shē How to pronounce mushy (audio)
 especially in sense 2 also  ˈmu̇-
mushier; mushiest
1
a
: having the consistency of mush : soft
b
: lacking in definition or precision
2
: excessively tender or emotional
especially : mawkishly amorous
mushily adverb
mushiness noun

Examples of mushy in a Sentence

mushy fruit that was obviously overripe
Recent Examples on the Web The grains of rice should be al dente, not mushy, and the mixture should be creamy. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024 The bites are mild, as is cauliflower in general, and the texture is soft, but not mushy. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 11 Jan. 2024 An overripe banana will have large brown spots or streaks covering most of its peel; the fruit inside will be mushy, with soft brownish spots. Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2023 Everyday people who hard-launch a relationship on social media or share a mushy post about their significant other should brace themselves for unwanted comments and intrusive questions from everyone including disapproving relatives, envious exes and judgmental acquaintances. USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 The reason this is not straightforward is that laws are mushy, subject to alternative meanings, and cannot be quite so readily codified, see my analyses at the link here, the link here, and the link here. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 Yes—if the beans begin to become mushy and fall apart, the soup may be overcooked. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2023 Baby spinach adds nutrition — yay, vegetables! — and ribbons of green throughout a sea of beige and brown, and the orzo cooks in chicken stock until tender but not mushy. Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 To use fresh cranberries, rinse them in a strainer, then pick over and discard any that are very soft or mushy. Kathleen Purvis, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mushy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mushy was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near mushy

Cite this Entry

“Mushy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mushy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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