tacky

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈta-kē How to pronounce tacky (audio)
tackier; tackiest
Synonyms of tackynext
: somewhat sticky to the touch
tacky varnish
also : characterized by tack : adhesive

tacky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

tackier; tackiest
1
: not having or exhibiting good taste: such as
a
: marked by cheap showiness : gaudy
a tacky publicity stunt
a tacky outfit
b
: marked by lack of style : dowdy
2
a
: characterized by lack of good breeding
… couldn't run around downtown … in a bikini, which was tacky …—Cyra McFadden
b
: shabby, seedy
… a tacky town whose citrus groves were blighted by smoke …—Bryce Nelson

Synonyms of tacky

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Adjective (1)

Adjective (2)

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Examples of tacky in a Sentence

Adjective (1) don't touch the walls while the fresh paint is still tacky Adjective (2) it was tacky to wear sneakers to the wedding tacky plastic flowers a tacky old couch that needed new upholstery
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Could a fellow traveler hint at the inappropriate, tacky nature of this display? — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 Here are eight once-tacky décor trends that designers are embracing once again. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026 The formula is hydrating, but absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving behind a tacky residue. — Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026 Cluttering your living room with excess furniture and decor can lead to a tacky look. — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tacky

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

tack entry 2

Adjective (2)

tacky a low-class person

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1788, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tacky was in 1788

Phrases Containing tacky

Rhymes for tacky

See All Rhymes for tacky

Browse Nearby Words

tack weld
tacky
tacky party
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tacky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tacky. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tacky

1 of 2 adjective
ˈtak-ē How to pronounce tacky (audio)
tackier; tackiest
: somewhat sticky to the touch
tacky varnish

tacky

2 of 2 adjective
tackier; tackiest
1
: shabby sense 2b, seedy
2
: marked by lack of style or good taste
a tacky outfit
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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