mealy

adjective

ˈmē-lē How to pronounce mealy (audio)
Definition of mealynext
1
as in pallid
lacking a healthy skin color her mealy complexion might be OK if she were a mime, but she isn't

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fake
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express a mealy apology that was really no apology at all

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 mealy Unless, of course, one apple is giant, glossy, improbably red, but also covered in pesticides, while the other is smaller, organic, perhaps a bit mealy in parts, but better for you in the ways that matter most. — Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 This occurred one week before West and Amanda publicly announced their situationship on Instagram in a mealy-mouthed statement that sounded like it was written by ChatGPT. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 3 June 2026 Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture is mealy and small pieces of pea-size butter remain. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026 Players and coaches have become maddeningly mealy-mouthed, striving to avoid upsetting agents, sponsors, owners, fans, thin-skinned politicians, and whoever else might object. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mealy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mealy
  1. pallid
  2. fake
  3. pale
  4. double
  5. lip
  6. hollow
  7. strained
  8. meaningless
Adjective
  • Young people in particular have soured on the technology over the last year, a development that may at least partially be explained by a pallid entry-level job market.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • This mordant melange takes off from the opening sequence, when Niaz finds himself at a casting call for an indie directed by Aza (Elene Mausuradze), an androgynous female director with the pallid look of a Tim Burton extra.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of pallid
Adjective
  • Jump scares, dudes with chainsaws, fake blood and adult drinks accentuated with gummy worms.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Days later, Britain’s AI Security Institute said that Anthropic’s most advanced AI model had used fake identities to cover its tracks and attempt to plant malicious code during testing.
    — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • But our frustrations and inconvenience pale in comparison to the sadness of those who knew the deceased or to the trauma the drivers involved experienced.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Iconic yachting brand Riva was the inspiration behind the redesign, according to Christie, seen in the use of dark wood, pale leather and marble that gives the lounge a distinctly Italian feel.
    — Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of pale
Adjective
  • The black walnut double staircase in the center hall foyer has carved lions.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The formula includes lactic acid, a chemical exfoliator that breaks down dead skin, for a double dose of skin-smoothing power.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 Nov. 2025
Definition of lip
Adjective
  • Place a piece of aluminum foil over each loaf and bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • These assistive devices were functionally capable but emotionally hollow.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hollow
Adjective
  • The second of four children, Cusk had a strained relationship with her parents.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • His injuries also included a strained AC joint in his shoulder and abrasions on his face, the affidavit states.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • Instead, coaches have become more and more terrified through the years of seeing their players getting hurt during largely meaningless games in August.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In my line of work, game columns don’t get more meaningless than that.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of meaningless

Browse Nearby Words

meals
mealy
mealymouthed
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Cite this Entry

“Mealy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mealy. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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