musty

musty

adj \ˈməs-tē\

must·i·ermust·i·est

Definition of MUSTY

1

a : impaired by damp or mildew : moldy b : tasting of mold c : smelling of damp and decay : fusty

2

a : trite, stale <musty prose> b (1) : antiquated <musty customs> (2) : superannuated

— must·i·ly \ˈməs-tə-lē\ adverb

— must·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

Examples of MUSTY

1. a dark and musty basement
2. <the musty prose of writers who use the same expressions over and over>

Origin of MUSTY

⁴must

First Known Use: 1530

Related to MUSTY

Synonyms: fetid, foul, frowsty [chiefly British], frowsy (or frowzy), funky, fusty, malodorous, noisome, rank, reeking, reeky, ripe, smelly, stenchy, stinking, stinky, strong

Antonyms: ambrosial, aromatic, fragrant, perfumed, redolent, savory (also savoury), scented, sweet

Related Words: putrid, rancid, skunky, stale; bad, disgusting, offensive, repulsive, revolting, vile; decayed, decaying, decomposed, decomposing, rotted, rotten, rotting, spoiled, spoiling; dirty, filthy, nasty, noxious; odiferous, odoriferous, odorous

Near Antonyms: flowery, fruity, spicy, woodsy

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at malodorous

Rhymes with MUSTY

busty, crusty, dusty, fusty, gusty, lusty, rusty, trusty