What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
milquetoast
Example
He was such a milquetoast that he couldn't even stand up for himself. [milquetoast: noun]
Example
She always gave in to her boss's demands, making her seem like a milquetoast. [milquetoast: adjective]
doormat
Example
He was such a doormat that his friends always took advantage of him. [doormat: noun]
Example
She felt like a doormat after her boss made her work overtime without pay. [doormat: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Doormat is more commonly used than milquetoast in everyday language. Doormat is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while milquetoast is less common and may be seen as outdated or old-fashioned.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between milquetoast and doormat?
Both milquetoast and doormat are informal words and are not appropriate for formal contexts.
