fishy

adjective

ˈfi-shē 

fishier; fishiest

1

: of or resembling fish especially in taste or odor

2

: creating doubt or suspicion : questionable

Synonyms of fishy

• questionable
• dubious
• suspicious
• disputable
• problematic
• doubtful
• suspect
• debatable

Examples of fishy in a Sentence

There's something fishy about that guy.

something's fishy about the way he's acting

Recent Examples on the Web

Interested in more fishy science? —Berly McCoy, NPR, 4 May 2026

But Pirro hasn’t dropped her claims that there is something fishy in the Fed’s renovations. —Matt Peterson, CNBC, 1 May 2026

Fish oil supplements are not known for having the best flavor, and some cause people to have fishy-tasting burps. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

The anchovy paste and Worcestershire melt into the background, adding a subtle umami depth rather than anything overtly fishy, while the garlic and Dijon bring a gentle sharpness. —Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fishy

adjective

ˈfish-ē 

fishier; fishiest

1

: of, relating to, or resembling fish

a fishy odor

2

: arousing doubt or suspicion : questionable

the story sounds fishy to me