sticky

sticky

adjective \ˈsti-kē\

stick·i·erstick·i·est

Definition of STICKY

1

a : adhesive

b (1) : viscous, gluey (2) : coated with a sticky substance

2

: humid, muggy; also : clammy

3

: tending to stick

4

a : disagreeable, unpleasant <came to a sticky end>

b : awkward, stiff

c : difficult, problematic <a sticky situation>

5

: excessively sentimental : cloying

— stick·i·ly \ˈsti-kə-lē\ adverb

— stick·i·ness \ˈsti-kē-nəs\ noun

Examples of STICKY

1. The sap is very sticky.
2. There is a sticky substance on the table.
3. The paint was still sticky.
4. The weather was hot and sticky.

First Known Use of STICKY

1731

Related to STICKY

Synonyms

adherent, adhesive, clingy, gluey, glutinous, gummy, tacky, tenacious, viscid

Antonyms

nonadhesive

Related Words

gelatinous, gooey, ropy (also ropey), syrupy, viscous; pitchy, tarry

Near Antonyms

nonviscous

Rhymes with STICKY

dickey, hickey, icky, kicky, picky, quickie, rickey, shticky, sickie, tricky