starchiness

noun

Definition of starchinessnext
as in priggishness

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 starchiness Its faintly sweet starchiness is perfect for stirring into pastas and soups. — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for starchiness
  1. stuffiness
  2. sternness
  3. grimness
  4. seriousness
Noun
  • Set the scene Upon entering, don't let the grandiose, atrium-esque, white-marbled lobby fool you into thinking there's an ounce of formality or stuffiness here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Using the fan independently helps circulate air, reduce stuffiness, and balance temperatures without changing the thermostat.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of stuffiness
Noun
  • Saura had a large sense of the humor, which struck those who got to know him, belying the sternness of his public visage with his playful banter and frequent chuckle.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
Definition of sternness
Noun
  • The one bit of apocalyptic grimness that does come through is the color scheme.
    — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The most tonally bizarre Apes movie ruminates on that question with a mixture of money-saving light comedy and mic-drop grimness.
    — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of grimness
Noun
  • Petersen also was struck by the seriousness of today’s youth.
    — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
  • By early 2023, in response to these trends, NATO stepped up the seriousness and urgency of its discussions on Russian hybrid activity.
    — Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of seriousness

Browse Nearby Words

starch
starchiness
starchy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Starchiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/starchiness. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of Luddite

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All