preachy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈprē-chē How to pronounce preachy (audio)
preachier; preachiest
Synonyms of preachynext
: marked by obvious moralizing : didactic
put off by the speaker's preachy tone
preachily
ˈprē-chə-lē How to pronounce preachy (audio)
adverb
preachiness
ˈprē-chē-nəs How to pronounce preachy (audio)
noun

preachiness

2 of 2

noun

preach·​i·​ness -chēnə̇s How to pronounce preachiness (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or state of being preachy

Synonyms of preachy

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Adjective

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Examples of preachy in a Sentence

Adjective We were put off by the speaker's preachy tone. a boring and preachy writer
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Stay curious but don’t become too preachy. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026 In calmer times, a leader expounding from such heights risks sounding preachy and self-righteous. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026 Thompson mentions that cartoons from this era often leaned on straightforward ideas about decency, and Doug fit that mold without being preachy about it. — Alex Shoemaker, Parents, 6 June 2026 They are undoubtedly exasperated that AI would browbeat them and be preachy. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preachy

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preachy was in 1819

Rhymes for preachy

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Browse Nearby Words

preach to the converted
preachy
preadamite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preachy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preachy. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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