as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
a starchy and demanding teacher
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Recent Examples of starchy
The Most and Least Attractive Bulbs to Squirrels Squirrels are most attracted to bulbs that are starchy and highly nutritious, such as tulips and crocuses, Hardt says.
—
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 2026
Cook the instant noodles according to package directions and drain, reserving most of the starchy noodle water.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Short grain Arborio rice (the same variety used for risotto) is the ideal rice for this pudding because the grains are short and starchy; as the rice cooks, the starch transforms the milk and water into a thick, rich sauce.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Replace white rice and pasta with lentils, beans, and non-starchy vegetables for fiber and substance.
—Health, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for starchy
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 2026
Cook the instant noodles according to package directions and drain, reserving most of the starchy noodle water.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Short grain Arborio rice (the same variety used for risotto) is the ideal rice for this pudding because the grains are short and starchy; as the rice cooks, the starch transforms the milk and water into a thick, rich sauce.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Replace white rice and pasta with lentils, beans, and non-starchy vegetables for fiber and substance.
—Health, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for starchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for starchy
Adjective
-
Montenegro and Albania are seen as the frontrunners among the Western Balkans, while Ukraine and Moldova are moving closer to opening formal membership talks.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
Smooth, efficient, and impeccable, though at times, stiffly formal.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
This is a lovely, if rather decorous and reverent, tale of an illicit affair that’s unlikely to cause as much noise as Dhont’s last two films.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
22 May 2026
-
But such disagreements tended to be handled with the decorous language of diplomacy.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Spring peas and wild rice make a nice combo filling for sweet bell peppers!—
Mary Ann Esposito,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Too often, carbon fiber, while impressively stiff, comes off looking cheap or plasticky.—
John Burek,
PC Magazine,
29 May 2026
-
Many newer designs rely on strategic ruching, molded cups, or tapered padding rather than stiff foam inserts that feel bulky and dig in.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
28 May 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
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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
-
With proper storage, liquor and liqueur can generally last indefinitely.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
But most enterprises scaling the tech today are doing so absent proper guardrails.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Hot water heaters at the establishment were not reaching the correct temperature.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 June 2026
-
Ironically, everything West says is pretty correct.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Starchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/starchy. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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