1
as in bland
lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character
this story is too wishy-washy; you need to add some verve to it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weak
lacking strength of will or character
in a time of crisis the nation can ill afford wishy-washy leaders
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wishy-washy
Advertisement Mallory’s ruthlessness in the custody fight begins to alarm wishy-washy Karl.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 20 May 2026
While the market may seem wishy-washy on EVs right now, at least in the United States, most automakers with EVs already in the works are plowing forward.
—Kristin Shaw, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026
At the risk of sounding wishy-washy like Thomas Mann at his worst moments, that understanding of the full spectrum of experience in both types of society and all the attendant nuances that made neither order much better or worse than the other comes across affectingly here.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Someone who’s a little wishy-washy, depending on if the cameras are up, that would definitely be messy Ashley Darby.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 May 2026
And wishy-washy responses to lawmakers’ questions, should the economy take a turn for the worse, are unlikely to fly.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
These are redemption raps with only the vaguest sense of what redemption might look like, a wishy-washy desire to both stomp the haters and be widely loved again.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
The Moon wills the chart and can make a wishy-washy Libra decisive and direct.
—Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
And this isn't some wishy-washy concept.
—Will Stone, NPR, 31 Jan. 2026
Judy Berman, Time, 20 May 2026
While the market may seem wishy-washy on EVs right now, at least in the United States, most automakers with EVs already in the works are plowing forward.
—Kristin Shaw, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026
At the risk of sounding wishy-washy like Thomas Mann at his worst moments, that understanding of the full spectrum of experience in both types of society and all the attendant nuances that made neither order much better or worse than the other comes across affectingly here.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Someone who’s a little wishy-washy, depending on if the cameras are up, that would definitely be messy Ashley Darby.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 May 2026
And wishy-washy responses to lawmakers’ questions, should the economy take a turn for the worse, are unlikely to fly.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
These are redemption raps with only the vaguest sense of what redemption might look like, a wishy-washy desire to both stomp the haters and be widely loved again.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
The Moon wills the chart and can make a wishy-washy Libra decisive and direct.
—Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
And this isn't some wishy-washy concept.
—Will Stone, NPR, 31 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wishy-washy
Adjective
-
Although delightfully sweet and fragrant when fresh, baked strawberries have a tendency to become watery and bland.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 May 2026
-
Unlike Mario's revolutionary outing on the N64 with Mario 64, Yoshi's turn on that system was underwhelming at best, with unfocused and bland platforming.—
Will Greenwald,
PC Magazine,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
Typically, this imaging uses sensors that can pick up femtotesla or picatesla range of magnetic fields, weaker than even refrigerator magnets.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
22 May 2026
-
In some cases, value starts to soften not because the business is weak, but because the growth story is not fully proven.—
David Chapman,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
As a means of conspicuous consumption the canon is poorly served, but as a destination to explore, as a complicated, contradictory, sometimes boring and often beautiful place, there can be much to be gained through a meander, a perusal, a stroll.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
There are a lot of small, sincere plays that are also very boring.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
21 May 2026
Adjective
-
However, some with weakened immune systems or certain conditions may have their immunity wane over time.—
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
19 May 2026
-
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that, when consumed in food or water, can cause serious and fatal infections in children, elderly people and individuals with weakened immune systems, according to the Cleveland Clinic.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
More boos followed after the final whistle with Slot’s side serving up another insipid home performance.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
-
Excusing them as means to achieve preferred policy outcomes is beyond insipid.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The rooms Rooms are decorated in a cool, muted Pacific Northwest palette—soft shades, brass accents, and heavy drapes that cut the light just right.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 May 2026
-
On Flight 12, however, the company planed to return Super Heavy a soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico rather than risk a recovery mishap that could damage the pad on the first flight of brand-new hardware.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
23 May 2026
Adjective
-
The world of college football is rarely dull.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
-
This charger brings interactivity and enthusiasm to this process that has been viewed as so dull for so long.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Eventually, after tiring of The Duchess & I, The Duchess & Me and other similar names, the filmmakers decided to go with My Duchess.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
-
Traveling with a heavy bag can make any journey feel longer and more tiring.—
Destinee Scott,
Travel + Leisure,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wishy-washy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wishy-washy. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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