prissy

adjective

Definition of prissynext
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

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prissy
  1. nice
  2. demanding
  3. delicate
  4. particular
  5. careful
  6. prim
  7. finicky
  8. critical
Adjective
  • However, despite slipping on the grass, Spaun was able to hit a nice approach shot to give himself a good look at a birdie from 20-plus feet out.
    — Scott Thompson, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Provide Mentorship Giving back can be a nice way to make a meaningful contribution to others in your organization.
    — Joseph Liu, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of nice
Adjective
  • While lapidary work involves precise and sometimes physically demanding tasks, the CEYLONS female gem-cutting program aims to banish any and all misconceptions that such labor is unsuitable for women.
    — Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The most obvious question those holding or thinking of picking up tickets for future shows might be asking is whether Ann could still deliver some of the most demanding wailing in the rock ‘n’ roll canon at age 74, with or without the recent issues.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of demanding
Adjective
  • Reviewers rave about this set’s soft feel and delicate appearance.
    — Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Produced by the China Academy of Art, School of Animation and Games, the film explores the delicate balance between personal desires and societal expectations.
    — Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • One track in particular even predated both songs altogether.
    — Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • As the band’s newest single begins to slide, a classic that helped launch the musicians to stardom is a huge hit once more, and the group flexes its selling power in particular on one ranking.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of particular
Adjective
  • These concerns underscore the need for careful consideration of privacy rights when deploying such technology.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Why America's business leaders engage in delicate diplomacy Corporate America's careful rhetoric — even as many big companies brace for the impact of the market volatility and the tariffs — illustrates the delicate diplomacy that business leaders are trying to engage in.
    — Maria Aspan, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • Their outfits speak to the juxtaposition of prim and proper styling alongside deconstructed looks on the pavement outside of presentations.
    — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 25 Feb. 2025
  • 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
Definition of prim
Adjective
  • But our biggest gripe with the classic Cuisinart design is how finicky these elements can be.
    — Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Rapley also claims that children who are baby-led, rather than spoon-fed, become less finicky eaters.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of finicky
Adjective
  • For leaders this serves as a critical warning: the relentless pursuit of productivity without regard for the multifaceted nature of human identity can lead to a workforce that is disengaged, unfulfilled and ultimately less innovative.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • But the critical number in this election is 802, the exceptionally low number of voters who cast ballots in that district election.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of critical

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Cite this Entry

“Prissy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prissy. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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