as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
a starchy and demanding teacher
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 starchy
For decades, celebrity chefs have been urging us to reserve the starchy water that remains after cooking pasta to help gently thicken and bring the pasta sauce together.
—
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2025
Rice water is a starchy liquid that results from soaking the grain in water or cooking it in water, Khetarpal explains.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025
Her fabulously named Delysia Lafosse treats life like a Mae West comedy, juggling three hunky lovers, deluxe showbiz dreams, and a starchy social secretary (Frances McDormand) with screwball frenzy.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Fruits and Vegetables No fruits or vegetables are off-limits on the Mediterranean diet, and all can be eaten liberally.
Liberally:
All starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, and root vegetables)
All non-starchy vegetables (i.e., artichokes, broccoli, cucumbers, etc.)
All fruits
4.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for starchy
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2025
Rice water is a starchy liquid that results from soaking the grain in water or cooking it in water, Khetarpal explains.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025
Her fabulously named Delysia Lafosse treats life like a Mae West comedy, juggling three hunky lovers, deluxe showbiz dreams, and a starchy social secretary (Frances McDormand) with screwball frenzy.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Fruits and Vegetables No fruits or vegetables are off-limits on the Mediterranean diet, and all can be eaten liberally.
Liberally:
All starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, and root vegetables)
All non-starchy vegetables (i.e., artichokes, broccoli, cucumbers, etc.)
All fruits
4.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for starchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for starchy
Adjective
-
Having a formal parenting plan in place is a good idea for multiple reasons.—
Jann Blackstone,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Foster Supplier Collaboration: Use formal, electronic systems to share forecasts and capacity updates with suppliers.—
Gregory Pitstick,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Aside from a series of gruesome martyr scenes frescoed on the interior wall of the second ring in the late 16th century, the decor reflects late Imperial taste for decorous abstraction and costly materials.—
The New York Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Is there any decorous way to acknowledge my failure to do so over the past few years and to express my regret?—
Judith Martin,
The Mercury News,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The ability to use either an AA or AAA battery is a nice touch, giving you options for weight and battery life.—
Shubham Yewale,
PCMAG,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Creating comedy in which the principal characters are involved in crime does require some balance — worse criminals to contrast with the nicer ones, or a deserving or faceless target, or, as here, no other option.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Next is Atlético in the capital, a much stiffer assignment than a home match against a team destined for relegation.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The masterplan for ‘MasterChef’s return Though war rages, and Ukrainian troops continue to offer stiff resistance Russia and its North Korean army allies, some restrictions on civilians are being relaxed.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The ceremony sets the stage for each day’s contests and activities which include a ceremonious entrance led by a Native American veteran color guard, visiting dignitaries and tribal royalty, followed by dancers of all ages.—
Staff Reports,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
-
Roberts began the process while Melania was still finalizing her position, which may have disrupted the ceremonious act.—
Lizzie Hyman,
People.com,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The on and off ramps at Exit 74 on I-95 lack the proper acceleration and deceleration lanes that merge on and off I-95.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
3 Mar. 2025
-
The chairman alleged Sherman colluded with some board members to wrest control by making changes to the board’s composition by appointing two new directors without proper vetting by the nominations committee.—
Jonathan Burgos,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
If polling is correct, the tiny Die Linke party, on the far left, seems likely to make it.—
Christopher F. Schuetze,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Ferguson’s instincts were correct, for the first hour at least.—
Mark Critchley,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Starchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/starchy. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share