as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
a starchy and demanding teacher
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 starchy
This method works particularly well for starchy potatoes like Yukon Golds and russets, which benefit from a quick sear to lock in their texture.
—
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Replace white rice and pasta with lentils, beans, and non-starchy vegetables for fiber and substance.
—Health, 27 Jan. 2026
Think creamy dishes or those heavy on dense, starchy vegetables, like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
Fried or starchy veggies such as potatoes don’t count.
—Aaron Steckelberg, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for starchy
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Replace white rice and pasta with lentils, beans, and non-starchy vegetables for fiber and substance.
—Health, 27 Jan. 2026
Think creamy dishes or those heavy on dense, starchy vegetables, like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
Fried or starchy veggies such as potatoes don’t count.
—Aaron Steckelberg, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for starchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for starchy
Adjective
-
Upstairs at Place, things are a little more formal.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Motsepe’s name as a future ANC leader often appears in fragments — in business conversations, in official corridors, in the soft intelligence that travels ahead of formal politics.—
Sam Mkokeli,
semafor.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Its decorous leaves are not even an inch long.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Lee Martino’s choreography, like the production as a whole, is at its best when observing decorous constraints.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
My room had a large bathtub right by the window, a spacious walk-in shower, and Niven Morgan bath products (a nice touch, given that the brand is from Dallas).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The company flew Tony to Cupertino and put him up in a nice hotel with a fruit basket waiting in the room.—
Bill Gurley,
Fortune,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
These formulas strike the ideal balance of locking in lift without weighing lashes down or leaving behind a stiff, crunchy, or clumpy finish.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The institute is nonpartisan but has ties to the Republican Party, and concluded the state needs stiffer penalties for fentanyl possession and distribution, similar to Texas law.—
Kaitlin Coward,
Boston Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Westcott said some of the subdivisions along the creek were built in the 1960s and 1970s when proper drainage was an afterthought and fences were installed in floodways.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Hayden said that Charles failed to execute proper safety protocols while Joseph crossed the street.—
Anna Meiler,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Most restaurants correct violations at the time of the original inspection or shortly after.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The correct spreadsheet was never found.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Starchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/starchy. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
