fishy

adjective

ˈfi-shē 

fishier; fishiest

1

: of or resembling fish especially in taste or odor

2

: creating doubt or suspicion : questionable

Synonyms

• questionable
• dubious
• suspicious
• disputable
• problematical
• problematic
• doubtful
• suspect
• debatable

Examples of fishy in a Sentence

There's something fishy about that guy.

something's fishy about the way he's acting

Recent Examples on the Web

Also, by completely draining the fish of blood, the risk of bacterial growth is minimized and thus the source of the fishy odor is diminished too. —Akiko Katayama, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

There are telltale signs that something is fishy — and ways to reduce your chances of being swindled. —Sarah Hutter, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025

Stirred with a little garlic, butter and fishy bonito flakes, everything but the skin of the squash is served with the cavatelli and topped with anchovies, lemon zest and drizzled herb oil that add acidity and fragrance to the savory sauce. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025

Side effects of taking fish oil can include bad breath, heartburn, headache, and a fishy odor.20 Talk with your doctor before starting a supplement for fatty liver disease. —Health, 25 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fishy

adjective

ˈfish-ē 

fishier; fishiest

1

: of, relating to, or resembling fish

a fishy odor

2

: arousing doubt or suspicion : questionable

the story sounds fishy to me