namby-pamby 1 of 2

adjective

ˌnam-bē-ˈpam-bē How to pronounce namby-pamby (audio)
Definition of namby-pambynext
1
as in bland
lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character she's such a namby-pamby nothing that it's no wonder she's never asked out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weak
lacking strength of will or character mocked namby-pamby intellectuals who endlessly debate the pros and cons of everything and invariably end up accomplishing nothing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

namby-pamby

2 of 2

noun

as in coward
a person without strength of character those namby-pambies at city hall are never going to get serious about our crime problem

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for namby-pamby
  1. bland
  2. weak
  3. coward
  4. boring
  5. soft
  6. wimp
  7. insipid
  8. weakened
Adjective
  • Swap a bland look for a bold color, switch up the dominant neutral, or lean into a new metallic finish to complement other hardware in the room.
    — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Indeed, while Baldessari’s work might seem bland and intellectual at first glance, plenty of pieces in the show put his sense of humor on full display.
    — Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • Many African economies are in a much weaker economic position compared to the strong 2015-2016 El Niño, the IIF report said, largely due to higher oil prices, which have driven up transport costs, and a strong US dollar.
    — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Too much nitrogen in the spring creates a weak root system that isn’t able to withstand the heat and drought in summer.
    — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of weak
Noun
  • But Coyote has hitched his hopes for the mammoth case upon a man who could only be called a coward.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The pundits feasted on her neutrality, most venomously Megyn Kelly, who called her a coward.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of coward
Adjective
  • Indeed, Hank hurts lots of people in this action-comedy that doesn’t prove boring for a second but has trouble managing its disparate tones.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Ma brings a happy zeal — and an artist’s eye for detail — to creating a sense of wonder, fantasy and futuristic freedom in a world limited by boring, rational constraints.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • And if your eyes are your favorite feature, play them up with sculptural lashes, a soft smoky eye, or a simple wash of cool-toned eye shadow.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The extra-wide band smooths back and sides with a buttery soft fabric for no-chafing comfort.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of soft
Noun
  • His rage stands as a measure of machismo, as if civility is for wimps.
    — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Anthony Hernandez toils in the brutish profession that is a mixed martial arts fighter, no wimps allowed.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of wimp
Adjective
  • George Wood/Getty Images Carlos Baleba will add more dynamism and creativity but the biggest concern was how insipid and one-paced the new midfield combination of Santos and Youri Tielemans looked.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The ending produces more questions that the frustratingly insipid storytelling doesn’t feign to care about.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of insipid
Adjective
  • Most often, those who do seek medical attention are people who are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, such as children, older adults, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems.
    — Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Most people recover within several days, but infections can become serious for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakened
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Namby-pamby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/namby-pamby. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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