as in nice
informal + disapproving
having or showing the annoying attitude of people who care too much about dressing and behaving properly and who are easily upset by other people's behavior, language, etc.
She was too prissy to wear jeans. a prissy do-gooder
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of prissy
Albee's 1962 play won a Tony Award, and would have also won a Pulitzer Prize for drama, if the prissy trustees of Columbia University hadn't overruled the jury.
—
Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2023
Some of that’s changing times, some of that is because a not-insignificant portion of W.A.S.P. fans are prissy suburbanites themselves.
—Andy O'Connor, SPIN, 13 Jan. 2023
It’s a corny, sporty early-’90s rom-com about a hockey bruiser and a prissy figure skater who team up against the odds to compete in Olympic pairs skating.
—Vulture, 7 Feb. 2022
McGregor speaks with a prissy American accent that in its own way is as expressive as Ray’s trumpet playing.
—Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Oct. 2022
The former embodies Professor Dovey, a prissy headmistress in Tweety Bird-yellow threads, who’s always going on about the rules, while Theron’s evil-minded Lady Lesso takes her fashion cues from Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 19 Oct. 2022
Sharon Sanders: — and perfume and being prissy (laughs).
—CBS News, 21 May 2022
After her father’s death, Delilah Green grew up in the company of her frosty stepmother, Isabel, and prissy stepsister, Astrid—so as soon as high school was over, Delilah left town and never looked back.
—Keely Weiss, Harper's BAZAAR, 25 Feb. 2022
Bows may seem prissy, but there's actually surprisingly versatile.
—Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 9 Dec. 2021
Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2023
Some of that’s changing times, some of that is because a not-insignificant portion of W.A.S.P. fans are prissy suburbanites themselves.
—Andy O'Connor, SPIN, 13 Jan. 2023
It’s a corny, sporty early-’90s rom-com about a hockey bruiser and a prissy figure skater who team up against the odds to compete in Olympic pairs skating.
—Vulture, 7 Feb. 2022
McGregor speaks with a prissy American accent that in its own way is as expressive as Ray’s trumpet playing.
—Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Oct. 2022
The former embodies Professor Dovey, a prissy headmistress in Tweety Bird-yellow threads, who’s always going on about the rules, while Theron’s evil-minded Lady Lesso takes her fashion cues from Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 19 Oct. 2022
Sharon Sanders: — and perfume and being prissy (laughs).
—CBS News, 21 May 2022
After her father’s death, Delilah Green grew up in the company of her frosty stepmother, Isabel, and prissy stepsister, Astrid—so as soon as high school was over, Delilah left town and never looked back.
—Keely Weiss, Harper's BAZAAR, 25 Feb. 2022
Bows may seem prissy, but there's actually surprisingly versatile.
—Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 9 Dec. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prissy
Adjective
-
In the Jungfrau Ski Region skiers get the perfect mix of easy and challenging slopes, nice mountain hut restaurants and aprés ski on the downhill runs and in Grindelwald Terminal.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Devonte Ross, who surpassed 1,000 yards at Troy in 2024, and Kyron Hudson, who had some nice moments at USC but was never one of the top receivers on the team in four seasons.—
Antonio Morales,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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As agriculture became less demanding, the sector required fewer workers, enabling erstwhile farmers to work in a spectrum of other trades, including the high-technology industries of each generation, such as textiles, telegraphs, and telecommunications.—
Matthew J. Slaughter,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
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Find early investors in your circle of family and friends, since outside investors may be very demanding on equity and content and normally require at least a prototype to start.—
Martin Zwilling,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Pieces include a sleeveless tartan top with pockets that could be mistaken for a gigantic scarf; delicate skirts in the style of a sarong wrap, and long-sleeve mesh T-shirts.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
WWD,
21 Feb. 2025
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There's actually a bevy of shine-boosting, ultra-nourishing oils on the market that deliver amazing results to delicate strands.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Per the complaint, Wiles emailed the AP on Feb. 18, saying that their attention was focused on the AP in particular.—
Caitlin Huston,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Feb. 2025
-
City leaders under fire Bass is facing criticism over two issues in particular: a funding cut to the Los Angeles Fire Department in the fire-prone region and the timing of a diplomatic trip to Ghana as dangerous fire conditions loomed.—
Michael Loria,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
There’s potential for clarity in resolving any lingering tension, but also be careful not to speak too rashly.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
3 Mar. 2025
-
In comments at the Morgan Stanley media conference, the Fox CEO was again extremely careful to stress that the goal is not to cannibalize linear television and Fox will not advertise it on linear television but is meant purely to capture those who cut the cord or have never subscribed to cable.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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There were enveloping officer’s overcoats, high-gloss leather jackets, prim gowns affixed with fur accents and stark black suits.—
Jacob Gallagher,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Oscar sadly is too prim and proper to reward its raw sexuality.—
Randy Myers,
The Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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So, see ya, thirsty lawns and farewell, finicky flowers!—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2025
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Some wireless pads are finicky, with the phone needing to be in a perfect spot to catch a charge.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Pope updates:Francis attends Mass hours after 'respiratory crisis,' remains critical What is a polymicrobial infection?—
John Bacon,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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Journalists critical of the regime who are harassed, threatened and face possible legal action.—
Jordan Mintzer,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to prissy
Cite this Entry
“Prissy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prissy. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.
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