namby-pamby 1 of 2

adjective

ˌnam-bē-ˈpam-bē How to pronounce namby-pamby (audio)
Definition of namby-pambynext
1
as in bland
lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character she's such a namby-pamby nothing that it's no wonder she's never asked out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weak
lacking strength of will or character mocked namby-pamby intellectuals who endlessly debate the pros and cons of everything and invariably end up accomplishing nothing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

namby-pamby

2 of 2

noun

as in coward
a person without strength of character those namby-pambies at city hall are never going to get serious about our crime problem

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for namby-pamby
  1. bland
  2. weak
  3. coward
  4. boring
  5. soft
  6. wimp
  7. insipid
  8. weakened
Adjective
  • In most cases, these signs resolve after 24 to 48 hours with a bland diet.
    — Jane Sykes, Washington Post, 21 July 2026
  • Like most meat-grinder, non-auteur streaming originals, The Dink — named for an often-decisive drop shot — has the bland sheen of an insurance commercial.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • Even durable bouclé material won’t save a sofa built on a weak foundation.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Further, the hinge mechanism provides a bit more assistance, and the magnets are a bit weaker, reducing the force needed to open the phone by half.
    — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026
Definition of weak
Noun
  • In reality, the refs just do the bidding of the cowards behind the curtain.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
  • That’s the sign of a true coward.
    — Maria Bamford, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Definition of coward
Adjective
  • Anyone looking to change their old, boring, heavy bag routine should consider a boxing reflex ball.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
  • Peace lily The peace lily may be one of the most common flowering houseplants around, but this tranquil botanical with tropical origins is anything but boring.
    — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Countless insects and other invertebrates Also not surprising is that the Okefenokee, being a swamp, is home to thousands of invertebrate species — butterflies, moths, bees, dragonflies, beetles, spiders and other soft-bodied creatures.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • Pinch-runner Jesus Rodriguez began the 10th at second base and advanced to third on Arraez’s soft single to left.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of soft
Noun
  • Anthony Hernandez toils in the brutish profession that is a mixed martial arts fighter, no wimps allowed.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
  • For the anarchic, nearly surreal nature of the bits that make legendary cinematic daredevils ranging from Buster Keaton to Jackie Chan seem like wimps.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
Definition of wimp
Adjective
  • Mitchell, whose gritty century in the recent third test against England secured a series victory, top-scored with 65 in an insipid New Zealand batting effort.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • That’s how long Thomas Tuchel’s team waited to produce a lifeless and insipid performance against Ghana that prompted many to re-evaluate the Three Lions’ chances of winning the whole thing this summer.
    — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of insipid
Adjective
  • Young children, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 24 July 2026
  • Infections caused by salmonella can be serious and potentially deadly for vulnerable groups, including young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of weakened
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Namby-pamby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/namby-pamby. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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