peaky

adjective

ˈpē-kē How to pronounce peaky (audio)
Definition of peakynext
as in sick
temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body her mother announced that she still looked peaky, and felt her forehead for a fever

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of peaky The Fenomeno’s widened and lengthened body—when compared to the Revuelto—has been designed in a very graphical way, with fewer lines, broad shoulders and surfaces, a long tail, and a peaky front. — Brett Berk, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2025 The curveball in all this is Verstappen, whose Red Bull future has become a significant talking point once again amid the team’s difficulties with a peaky car that will surely test his championship defense. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 In reality, though, because the TCL’s tone mapping is not as effective as that of the Samsung TV, the TCL’s brightness can cause clipping and leave the image looking ‘peaky’ and unbalanced. — John Archer, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 Local surf guides will take wave riders to fun, peaky beach breaks or barreling reefs. — Noah Lederman, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024 The powerband was peaky, with the turbos coming alive above 2500 rpm, accompanied by a distinct whistle. — Brett Berk, Car and Driver, 4 Sep. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaky
  1. sick
  2. poorly
  3. bad
  4. ill
  5. down
Adjective
  • Some recalls, Eskin said, are made after companies’ routine testing catches a pathogen before anyone gets sick, while others involve outbreaks that are already underway and vary widely in size and severity.
    — Dian Zhang, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Sanchez also ordered a meal from Taco Bell, but didn’t get sick.
    — Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of sick
Adjective
  • For however poorly things are going — and the bad tone set by the starters has leaked into some defensive lapses and some pressing at the plate — the Padres got themselves into a really favorable position before this.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This involves having a poorly or non-functioning colon and is not usually reversible.
    — Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
Definition of poorly
Adjective
  • Poor Anton has been left out of the drama all day, an effort by Billie and Samir to prevent an already bad futzing from escalating to something severe, and that’s never where Anton likes to be.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Although rarely seen, its reemergence earlier this summer is a signal of how bad the region’s ongoing drought has gotten, as well as a warning for the difficult months ahead.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • Still, the emotionally stunted John claims not to harbor ill feelings toward Hal, though this is most certainly challenged by the end of the episode.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • If she is deemed no longer mentally ill and not a danger to the community, she could be released following a hearing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ill
Adjective
  • The bedspread gives you all of the fluffy loft without risking overheating, thanks to its breathable down-alternative fill and box-stitch design that keeps it evenly distributed.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Atwell is a hometown hero from his high school days as a quarterback for Miami Northwestern High, leading the storied football program back to a state championship as a senior after a down stretch of seasons.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of down

Browse Nearby Words

peaks
peaky
peal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaky. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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