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
  • Whereas Marvel Tokon looks unforgettable, Wolverine's bland stab at realism looks like little more than another boring bootleg movie.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Matching Pillows to Couch Fabric Matching your throw pillows to your sofa upholstery fabric can result in a bland and boring look.
    — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • Many forex brokers respond to weak rankings by publishing more market guides, adding country pages and building links.
    — David Ispiryan, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Slow money growth means weak nominal growth and low inflation, which in turn keeps interest rates and bond yields depressed—and the yen weak.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of weak
Adjective
  • Now the seven most boring, starting with the most tolerable (comments edited for grammar and clarity).
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
  • It’s been a boring week for Makyah, who’s in third grade at Banneker Elementary.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and can be particularly severe in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Doctors say severe cases are seen more often in elderly patients, people with weakened immune systems, and those with liver disease, diabetes and certain chronic illnesses.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakened
Adjective
  • The ending produces more questions that the frustratingly insipid storytelling doesn’t feign to care about.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of insipid
Adjective
  • My mom raves about Vuori loungewear, and there’s currently a pair of the brand’s airy, feather-soft wide-leg pants on sale for 25 percent off.
    — Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Set the scene On the second and last morning of my weekend at Winvian, a soft snow came upon the place and landed in a thin blanket.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of soft
Adjective
  • Moreover, in a study of 29 users of Melanotan II published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, some users reported their skin turning a dull gray color.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Still, her stellar performance can’t elevate the series beyond its dull monotony.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • Permanent Marker Removal Trying to scrub permanent marker away is tiring, time-consuming, and often futile without some type of product to loosen the marker.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Everything seems tiring and exhausting, especially the simplest, most mundane activities.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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