MEALYMOUTHED Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

mealymouthed

adjective

ˈmē-lē-ˌmau̇t͟hd

Definition of mealymouthed

as in double

not being or expressing what one appears to be or express a mealymouthed compliment from a jealous competitor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of mealymouthed The problem is that fears of getting yelled at on social media lead to the kind of mealymouthed compromise no one wants. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025 But that word can be a mealymouthed way to describe housing that is still out of reach for low-income New Yorkers, and Won knows that better than most. — Curbed, 23 Nov. 2022 But Roman, so often indecisive and mealymouthed, calmly insists that there’s no need to worry about those things. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mealymouthed

Adjective

But this is an album that’s apparently about the artist’s double life, and the questions that are bound to be at the forefront of any curious listener’s mind go unaddressed.

— Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
To [React with exaggerated surprise] is to DO A DOUBLE TAKE — as in, to take out double letters (not consecutive ones, mind you).

— Sam Corbin, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of double

Adjective

Raman’s tendency to rethink her policy decisions has also contributed to her strained relations with her council colleagues, nearly all of whom are backing the mayor’s reelection bid.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
French bond woes Yields on French government bonds have surged to multiyear highs in recent days, as the country's mounting debt crisis fuels wider concerns about Europe's strained public finances.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of strained

Adjective

Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.

— Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.

— Essence, Essence, 23 Nov. 2025

Definition of lip

Adjective

Ranging in diameter from 1 to 3 millimeters, each FiberMotor is in fact composed of two concentric hollow polymer fibers – a wider one on the outside, with a narrower one nested inside of it.

— Ben Coxworth October 11, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026
Sealed inside the crust, the wood slowly decomposed, leaving hollow molds.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of hollow

Adjective

Note that cold temperatures can dull the flavor and make the tomatoes slightly mealy, so try to use them within a few days when possible.

— Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Cold temperatures kill the flavor and cause tomatoes to develop a mealy texture.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of mealy

Adjective

Only days earlier, Mays had given what could be perceived as a backhanded compliment.

— Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
After corralling a loose puck along the boards, Hughes spun away from the blue line to keep the play onside, then feathered a backhanded pass into open ice with just the right amount of touch to set up Nico Sturm for a goal that tied the game.

— Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 12 May 2026

Definition of backhanded

Adjective

The fine was controversial to begin with, as fans and pundits pointed out the NFL’s business with beer sponsors such as Bud Light and called the sensitivity over the celebration hypocritical.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
In his appeal, Juszczyk also argued that fining players for pretending to drink beer was hypocritical given the NFL’s beer sponsorships.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of hypocritical

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mealy

mealymouthed

mean

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“Mealymouthed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mealymouthed. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mealymouthed

adjective

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