MUSTINESS Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

mustiness

noun

Definition of mustiness

as in staleness

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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 mustiness Do a Baking Soda Soak or Wash For stubborn mustiness, Salveson recommends adding 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drum with the sheets (not the dispenser) and washing on warm. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 June 2026 Along with sending any bad odors out, the fresh air is also a great way to circulate any mustiness and help clear out any lingering germs that may be in the air. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 31 May 2026 With their high linen content, the sheets exuded no mustiness, only the faint sweet smell of aged paper. — Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026 The film, which screenwriter Rowan Joffé adapted from a 2014 novel of the same name by Lawrence Osborne, seems aware of the orientalist mustiness of this premise without being compelled to subvert it in any meaningful way. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mustiness

Noun

Sure, in 1854, the first prepacked box of Whitman's chocolates was introduced, guaranteeing to the American populace a standard of staleness, of flavorlessness, for years to come.

— Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
Less than three months after the end of the World Cup, and concerns that the start of the 2030 cycle would be tame, uneventful and underwhelming — remember the fears regarding the potential staleness as a coach began a second cycle with the team?

— Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of staleness

Noun

So much grab-and-go sushi has an instantly recognizable stench.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
In the weeks after, more than 85 million pounds of rotting food being kept at the cold storage facility began to rot, leaving a putrid stench lingering over the area that led to infestations of rats, flies and other rodents.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of stench

Noun

Another common sign is rancidity, which occurs when the natural oils in the peanuts oxidize after prolonged exposure to air, light, or heat, Cutter says.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026
Keep nuts, seeds, and whole-wheat flour in the freezer to avoid rancidity and extend freshness.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

Definition of rancidity

Noun

The station didn’t just play indie rock — Carpenter’s show was dedicated to French pop, while other DJs spun the blues, jazz, prog rock, punk, funk and techno.

— Pat Saperstein, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
Among the local bands that call the Stomping Ground home are Putnam’s own funk/groove ensemble Stattic.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of funk

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must-haves

mustiness

musts

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“Mustiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mustiness. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mustiness

noun

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