mealy-mouthed

American  

[mee-lee-moutht, -mouthd] / ˈmi liˌmaʊθt, -ˌmaʊðd /

Or mealymouthed

adjective

1. avoiding the use of direct and plain language, as from timidity, excessive delicacy, or hypocrisy; inclined to mince words; insincere, devious, or compromising.

   Our local government is filled with mealy-mouthed politicians and self-serving bureaucrats.

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mealy-mouthed British  

adjective

1. hesitant or afraid to speak plainly; not outspoken

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Other Word Forms

• mealy-mouthedly adverb
• mealy-mouthedness noun

Etymology

Origin of mealy-mouthed

First recorded in 1565–75; mealy ( def. ) + mouthed ( def. )

Example Sentences

Back then, he knew he had to eke out a mealy-mouthed apology for the sake of decorum.

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026

Commenting on the peace deal, she offers a verdict that would put to shame many of Europe’s more mealy-mouthed leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

As for Hollywood’s answer to Oval Office sycophants, Paul W. Downs works wonders as a mealy-mouthed comedy agent in ‘Hacks.’

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

Durbin was even forced into a mealy-mouthed statement about how it "falls short."

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2023

“That’s for Chestnutt! And that’s for Ayanna! And that’s for having the nerve to throw rocks at the throne, chump! You no good, mealy-mouthed, dandelion-faced thistle-head!”

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia