STARCHY Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

starchy

adjective

ˈstär-chē

Definition of starchy

as in formal

marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details a starchy and demanding teacher

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Serve over mashed potatoes for a starchy base that’ll soak up any remaining sauce. — Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026 Drain, but — and this is vital — reserve the salty, starchy pasta cooking water. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 That book collection or set of old scrapbooks might be serving as a starchy food source and a humid environment for the bug. — Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for starchy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for starchy

Adjective

The system produced a mathematical proof that was accepted by Lean, a proof-assistant software used to check the logical correctness of formal mathematical arguments.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
The Paris Police Prefecture denied numerous formal requests for permits allowing protests in various areas of the city, citing October riots that led to thousands of arrests and violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement.

— Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of formal

Adjective

And if at times the movie comes off as a bit decorous and stiff, the actors, particularly Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles, do their best to keep the proceedings whirring.

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
What was pell-mell and excited becomes thoughtful and decorous.

— Louis Menand, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of decorous

Adjective

What to do nearby Upon arrival, one of the very helpful receptionists will mark up a map with nearby sites, beaches, and restaurants worth visiting in the area and explain the best way to walk or bike there—a nice personal touch.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
This puts a nice button on Gabe preferring to get Star Baker over a handshake.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of nice

Adjective

Her Paris residency marked a significant milestone following her 2022 announcement that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that had affected her ability to perform.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2026
This is far too much literalism — not to mention the dash of inconsistency added by the motionless curtains paired with the storm FX — for such an innately wonky drama to handle without going stiff and dull in the process.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of stiff

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

Definition of ceremonious

Adjective

The administration said the work could begin as soon as the approval and the Interior Department issued a final decision authorizing construction and the proper notification was published by the National Park Service.

— MATTHEW DALY, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
Without proper circulation, harmful fungi have an optimal environment for invading your lawn.

— David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of proper

Adjective

So, Bielema is correct in the fact that if Illinois was currently 6-3 and played an SEC conference schedule, it would be ranked.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Robots fix memories MIT researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence system that allows robots to identify, evaluate, and correct unreliable descriptions of objects stored in their memory.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026