milquetoast

[ milk-tohst ]

noun

, (sometimes initial capital letter)

1. a very timid, unassertive, spineless person, especially one who is easily dominated or intimidated:

   a milquetoast who's afraid to ask for a raise.

milquetoast

/ ˈmɪlkˌtəʊst /

noun

1. a meek, submissive, or timid person

Word History and Origins

Origin of milquetoast¹

1935–40, Americanism; after Caspar Milquetoast, a character in The Timid Soul, comic strip by H. T. Webster (1885–1952), American cartoonist

Word History and Origins

Origin of milquetoast¹

C20: from Caspar Milquetoast, a cartoon character invented by H. T. Webster (1885–1952)

Example Sentences

Speaking of milquetoast, Congress had the chance to pass legislation that could address the myriad threats to climate stability, food security, biodiversity, and the rest of our ecological health.

From Outside Online

Depending on who you ask, the problem is either too much “wokeness” on the progressive side or too much milquetoast moderation from the centrists.

From Vox

Getting it right can be the difference between a milquetoast conversion rate and driving huge value for your clients and stakeholders.

From Search Engine Land

Usually they’re sort of Milquetoast fellows, but boy, he knew exactly where he was going.

From Washington Post

The late PBS anchor Jim Lehrer, described recently by Politico columnist Jack Shafer as the “paladin of the milquetoast,” moderated but did nothing more than choose audience members to ask questions.

From Voice of San Diego

Either way, he stood out in a country whose media industry is often criticized for its milquetoast manner.

From The Daily Beast

Can music be both milquetoast and hard-hitting at the same time?

From The Daily Beast

Imagine—if EOB had been knocked down—a postwar milquetoast, boxy structure in its place.

From The Daily Beast

Hence, all the agreeing with Obama, all the adopting of milquetoast positions.

From The Daily Beast

In contrast, Santorum's milquetoast “disagreement” looks pathetic and unpresidential.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• milksop
• mollycoddle
• pushover