1
as in faded
lacking intensity of color
the supposedly rich rose she had chosen for the house unexpectedly came out a washy pinkish shade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thin
not containing very much of some important element
the economy needs some strong medicine right now, and our leaders are offering only washy gruel
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 washy
Prime Minister Conte, a lawyer, prefers looping, legalistic, wishy-washy sentences.
—
Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2020
Despite the occasional box-checking, wishy-washy comment slapping Beijing on the wrist for the worst of its abuses, the reality is that the former vice president’s support of the People’s Republic of China is deep and longstanding.
—Tom Cotton, National Review, 11 Mar. 2020
What wasn’t though was the wishy-washy nature laced along the rest of that news release.
—oregonlive, 30 Jan. 2020
Joe Biden’s wishy-washy foreign policy record could be a liability for him in the wake of President Trump’s ordered strike that killed Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani.
—Emily Larsen, Washington Examiner, 7 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for washy
Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2020
Despite the occasional box-checking, wishy-washy comment slapping Beijing on the wrist for the worst of its abuses, the reality is that the former vice president’s support of the People’s Republic of China is deep and longstanding.
—Tom Cotton, National Review, 11 Mar. 2020
What wasn’t though was the wishy-washy nature laced along the rest of that news release.
—oregonlive, 30 Jan. 2020
Joe Biden’s wishy-washy foreign policy record could be a liability for him in the wake of President Trump’s ordered strike that killed Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani.
—Emily Larsen, Washington Examiner, 7 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for washy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for washy
Adjective
-
Williams, in a faded plaid shirt, gray hair sprouting from under a John Deere hat, paced.—
Molly Parker,
ProPublica,
4 Sep. 2025
-
While some might have a faded tie-dye shirt in the back of their closet and listen to the occasional Grateful Dead album, seniors across the spectrum are turning to cannabis—many for the first time.—
Peter Su,
Rolling Stone,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Vogue’s Favorite Gold Necklaces Featured in this article With an endless array of iterations—from thin, barely-there metallic strands to bolder, statement-making chains that instantly command attention—gold chain necklaces are some of the best gold jewelry pieces to add to your collection.—
Samantha Solomon,
Vogue,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Maternal health remains under-researched compared to other therapeutic areas, and the pharmaceutical pipeline is thin—just 91 compounds in development, versus thousands for areas like neurology or dermatology.—
Shelley Stewart III,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
With pale, irregular surfaces dotted with black bits of char, the homely slabs aren’t much to look at, but the first bite packs a big smoky punch that only grows with each subsequent chew.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Create a neutral fall display by grouping elegant white and pale-orange pumpkins.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Too many companies try to achieve a laundry list of objectives, resulting in a diluted and less-effective program.—
Erika Andersson,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Try using a diluted solution of baking soda and water or dishwasher soap and water.—
Zoe Gowen,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Crafted in Ireland, the coach features dark brown panels adorned with golden scrollwork and a gilded roof, offering shelter from the light rain falling over Berkshire.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The collection was heavy on bubble skirts and dresses, offering a sleek take on mid-season coats and leaning into light colors and tailored short-sleeves.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
For example, Wilson’s team is exploring whether dilute acids speed up weathering.—
Robert F. Service,
Science | AAAS,
3 Sep. 2020
-
The company reported a net loss during the first quarter of $3.9 million, or 11 cents diluted loss per share, compared to a net income of $4.3 million, or 12 cents dilute earnings per share over the same period last year.—
Paul Takahashi,
Houston Chronicle,
5 June 2018
Adjective
-
Medieval Europe, an era that gave us heraldry, court jesters, and troubadours, is rendered in dull, grayish brown hues.—
Will Collins,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Or, the formula comes in a radiant finish, which both makeup artists love for dull or tired skin in need of a pick-me-up.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Washy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/washy. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share