as in overmodest
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for governessy
Adjective
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Cross-dressing was prohibited, as were speeches that mocked or questioned the party’s prudish, pro-family, heteronormative views on gender and sexuality; traditional German culture was to be celebrated, not mocked.—
Tim Brinkhof,
JSTOR Daily,
1 Apr. 2026 -
Statistics like these have become part of a discussion about whether the culture is growing prudish and puritanical.—
Faith Hill,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Self-righteous and self-important, priggish and nagging.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
-
Ghaywan’s script is explicit but never priggish in its moral standing, letting the outstanding performances drive home the perils of bigotry more than any grandstanding dialogue.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
They’re being taught how to look prim and proper while pouring the perfect cup of tea.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
6 May 2026
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Just an hour outside New York City lies a prim and proper Colonial compound steeped in history.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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As the month unfolds, dating becomes more playful, flirtatious and spontaneous.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 May 2026
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Enter Hathaway as Rebecca, the new, sophisticated head psychologist who relocates from the city and quickly sparks a connection with the young woman that may or may not be flirtatious.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Governessy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/governessy. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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