Wishy-washy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

Wishy-washy (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

1. lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character

   "this story is too wishy-washy; you need to add some verve to it"

   similar: banal, flat, insipid, milk-and-water, namby-pamby, watery
   related: unexciting, uninspiring, unrewarding, bland, boring, drab, dreary, dry, dull, heavy, humdrum, jading, leaden, lifeless, monotonous, pedestrian, ponderous, tedious, tiresome, tiring, uninteresting, vapid, wearisome, weary, wearying, inane, innocuous, inoffensive, mild, soft, subdued, tame, weak, common, commonplace, ordinary, stale, unexceptional
   near: piquant, poignant, pungent, racy, spicy, meaty, substantial, entertaining, exciting, galvanizing, inspiring, invigorating, thrilling

2. lacking strength of will or character

   "in a time of crisis the nation can ill afford wishy-washy leaders"

   similar: characterless, effete, frail, invertebrate, limp-wristed, milk-and-water, namby-pamby, nerveless, soft, spineless, weak, weak-kneed, weakened, weakling, wet (British), wimpish, wimpy
   related: flabby, flaccid, forceless, ineffective, ineffectual, impotent, impuissant, powerless, emasculated, unnerved, lamblike, meek, pliable, submissive, corrupt, dastardly, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous, cowardly, craven, fainthearted, lily-livered, nebbishy, poltroon, pusillanimous, sissy, timid, infirm, irresolute, vacillating
   opposite: backboned, firm, hard, strong, tough
   near: ethical, good, moral, principled, right, righteous, upright, virtuous, determined, mettlesome, resolute, unrelenting, courageous, stalwart, stouthearted