MUSTINESS Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

mustiness

noun

Definition of mustiness

as in staleness

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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 mustiness Do a Baking Soda Soak or Wash For stubborn mustiness, Salveson recommends adding 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drum with the sheets (not the dispenser) and washing on warm. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 June 2026 Along with sending any bad odors out, the fresh air is also a great way to circulate any mustiness and help clear out any lingering germs that may be in the air. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 31 May 2026 With their high linen content, the sheets exuded no mustiness, only the faint sweet smell of aged paper. — Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026 The film, which screenwriter Rowan Joffé adapted from a 2014 novel of the same name by Lawrence Osborne, seems aware of the orientalist mustiness of this premise without being compelled to subvert it in any meaningful way. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mustiness

Noun

Although they’re designed to dispense cereal, most also have an airtight seal to lock in the freshness and avoid staleness.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2026
The pilot of Adult Swim’s President Curtis, created by Dan Harmon and James Siciliano, seems to confirm the staleness and lack of utility for the new series.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

Definition of staleness

Noun

Another common sign is rancidity, which occurs when the natural oils in the peanuts oxidize after prolonged exposure to air, light, or heat, Cutter says.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026
Keep nuts, seeds, and whole-wheat flour in the freezer to avoid rancidity and extend freshness.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

Definition of rancidity

Noun

Martin even showed off some fun footwork of his own to the vibrant beat of the song, which blends the sounds of pop, funk, samba, reggaeton, mambo and salsa.

— Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2026
Batiste and his band took to the stage right before sunset and performed a nonstop medley that put his spin on New Orleans jazz, gospel, soul, and funk.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of funk

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must-haves

mustiness

musts

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“Mustiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mustiness. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mustiness

noun

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