1
as in bland
lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character
a milk-and-water campaign speech that most likely did not inspire a single person
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weak
lacking strength of will or character
we need to elect a leader with a bold vision, not someone who's been a milk-and-water yes-man all his life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for milk-and-water
Adjective
-
Flat video is a bit bland without edits but provides a more flexible starting point for creators with the know-how to apply a creative color grade in the editing room.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
25 July 2025 -
Out-of-season tomatoes—notoriously pale, mealy, and bland—tend to be tomatoes in name only.—
Rachel Sugar,
The Atlantic,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
And if tariffs only cause a one-time jump in prices, weaker purchasing power could slow the economy.—
Raul Elizalde,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Despite these efforts, economic conditions and weak demand for domestic leisure travel pose challenges.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Stick with boring investments to avoid big mistakes from get-rich-quick schemes.—
Jonathan I. Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Hosting every summit in a big European city would alleviate much of the pressure to re-invent the wheel every time with respect to hotels, transit, and other boring but essential logistical details.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Another classic silhouette, Arhaus’s blend of jute and cotton makes this rug feel slightly softer underfoot.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The latter gets rid of flaky skin, while the balm keeps them soft.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Initial symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Here are some of the most common measles symptoms, according to the CDC: High fever Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes Rash Complications from measles usually include ear infections and diarrhea, the CDC said, while more serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.—
Hannah Poukish,
Sacbee.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Callahan’s baritone is rich and full, but the rest of the instrumentation feels insipid.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
29 July 2025
-
Italy were insipid against the Swiss in that Euros defeat this time last year.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
This was what attracted them, Mala said, because no Indian woman was allowed enough privacy to thus indulge in a solipsistic obsession with her own psychology—encouraged to chart the fluctuations of her temperament in response to deep crises that were inevitably banal.—
Kiran Desai,
New Yorker,
3 Aug. 2025
-
What’s actually the most interesting thing is to go the opposite route and go pure banal.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
The shampoo won't clean as well and can leave behind residue that makes your hair look dull and lifeless.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 Aug. 2025
-
With major season getting over, August is dull, and McIlroy's absence has become a lightning rod for debates about player responsibility and the Tour's authority.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Milk-and-water.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/milk-and-water. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share