Milquetoast Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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milquetoast
mil-que-toast
Definitions
personality trait
A milquetoast is a timid, weak, or spineless person who lacks assertiveness or courage in social situations.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| milquetoast |
Best used to describe someone who is timid, unassertive, or easily intimidated.
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| coward |
Used to describe someone who is excessively afraid of danger or risk, often with a negative connotation.
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| weakling |
Describes someone who is physically or emotionally weak, often used in a negative or belittling manner.
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| doormat |
A derogatory term for someone who is excessively submissive and allows others to walk all over them.
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Examples of usage
- He was such a milquetoast that he couldn't even speak up for himself when his boss criticized him.
- Don't be such a milquetoast, stand up for what you believe in!
character in literature
In literature, a milquetoast is often used to describe a character who is easily dominated or controlled by others, lacking in strength of character or willpower.
Synonyms
passive, spineless, submissive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| milquetoast |
Used when referring to someone who is very timid or lacks assertiveness. Often implies that the person is overly compliant and too scared to stand up for themselves.
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| spineless |
Used to describe someone who lacks courage or determination. This word carries a strong negative connotation and suggests a lack of moral strength.
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| submissive |
Refers to someone who is willing to obey others and accept their decisions without question. This word can have a negative connotation, implying a lack of independence or self-respect.
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| passive |
Describes someone who allows things to happen without taking action or making their own decisions. Often perceived as neutral or weak, but not necessarily negative.
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Examples of usage
- The protagonist of the novel was a milquetoast who allowed the antagonist to manipulate him at every turn.
- She portrayed him as a milquetoast, always giving in to the demands of others.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “milquetoast”
Milquetoast is a 3-syllable noun (mil-que-toast). On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #42,101 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'milquetoast'
The term 'milquetoast' originated from the comic strip character Caspar Milquetoast, created by H.T. Webster in the 1920s. The character was a weak, timid man who was constantly bullied and pushed around. The term has since become synonymous with someone who is timid or spineless in popular culture.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #42,101, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.