tacky 1 of 2

adjective (1)

Definition of tackynext
1
as in inappropriate
marked by an obvious lack of style or good taste it was tacky to wear sneakers to the wedding tacky plastic flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect a tacky old couch that needed new upholstery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tacky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

ˈta-kē How to pronounce tacky (audio)
as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact don't touch the walls while the fresh paint is still tacky

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 tacky
Adjective
Interestingly, while many assume these fruits are dried, the tacky texture they’re known for is actually their fresh state. — Christina Manian, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026 Both my wife and I always considered artificial flowers tacky and not appropriate for cemeteries, even though lots of people decorate gravesites with them. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 Its droplets contain proteins, water, salts and small molecules that help the adhesive remain soft and tacky. — Aliasger K. Salem, The Conversation, 4 Aug. 2026 Dough should be very smooth and slightly tacky with a soft, buoyant texture. — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tacky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tacky
  1. inappropriate
  2. dilapidated
  3. adhesive
  4. cheesy
  5. neglected
  6. sticky
  7. unsuitable
  8. trashy
Adjective
  • During the first week of school, a Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School teacher was placed on leave over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The content was inappropriate and does not reflect our values.
    — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • The city earmarked $15 million to transform dilapidated buildings into hubs for new businesses.
    — Reg Chapman, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • But, as Keegan’s impact upon Newcastle — the club and the city — rose, the dilapidated ground changed, too.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of dilapidated
Adjective
  • This adhesive base allows the material to stick directly onto host surfaces.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Convincing urban commuters to trust their safety to an adhesive joint requires more than just theories though.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of adhesive
Adjective
  • Frico, in the modern sense, refers to that dark, crunchy, cheesy edge found on a Detroit-style pizza.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Fall calls for comfort food, and these cheesy potatoes are just that.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheesy
Adjective
  • Investors and analysts are increasingly looking to other parts of the market, both to find neglected sources of value and to start assuming a defensive posture against a possible downturn.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • Changing their environment is more reliable and more neglected.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of neglected
Adjective
  • And with oil prices showing no sign of returning to pre-Iran war levels this year, pressure is increasing on the Fed to combat that sticky inflation by raising interest rates at its next policy-setting meeting in September.
    — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The non-sticky finish adds a subtle shine, and nourishing ingredients like mango seed oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid keep lips feeling smooth and hydrated.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of sticky
Adjective
  • When channels are created with unsuitable blades, angles, or placement, transplanted hair may grow in an unnatural direction or produce an overly uniform appearance.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Websites often attract unsuitable clients due to ineffective copy, hindering business growth.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsuitable
Adjective
  • Fright fans get the 13th season of American Horror Story, and there's plenty of comedy and trashy reality TV as well.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Cramps’ early lineup featured two guitarists — Ivy and the wraithlike Bryan Gregory — and no bassist, which made their trebly sound even tinnier and trashier.
    — Jem Aswad, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of trashy

Browse Nearby Words

tack (up)
tacky
tact
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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