wishy-washy

adjective

ˈwi-shē-ˌwȯ-shē How to pronounce wishy-washy (audio)
Definition of wishy-washynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 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 See All Example Sentences for wishy-washy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wishy-washy
  1. bland
  2. weak
  3. boring
  4. weakened
  5. insipid
  6. soft
  7. dull
  8. tiring
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
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
  • The condition occurs due to a slow breakdown of the cells in the aorta, which has likely been going on silently for many years before the weakened area of the aortic wall finally gives away and tears.
    — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • Serratia marcescens can occasionally cause infections in people with weakened immune systems or those who are hospitalized.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
Definition of weakened
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
  • 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
Adjective
  • If cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs, other signs may include difficulty or pain with peeing, loss of appetite and weight, dull backache or swelling in your legs, pelvic and abdominal pain, diarrhea and fatigue.
    — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
  • But to everybody else, 1966 was a dull tournament, characterised by lenient refereeing that meant the star players — particularly Pele — struggled to have an impact.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • Of course, the players were tiring, and Argentina were always going to respond, but Tuchel’s substitutions made England passive.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 16 July 2026
  • But just like fashion, the world of Instagrammable food proved tiring too.
    — Violet Conroy, Vogue, 15 July 2026
Definition of tiring

Browse Nearby Words

wishy-washiness
wishy-washy
wising (up)
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Cite this Entry

“Wishy-washy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wishy-washy. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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