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
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
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Recent Examples of tacky
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Yet the show goes on, from their tacky dance number to the limo ride home.
—
Judy Berman,
Time,
27 May 2026
Reducing every tactile input to the same kind of press on a giant touchscreen that dominates the interior of a vehicle feels both tacky and unwieldy.
—
Tc Sottek,
The Verge,
27 May 2026
Our Top Sunscreens Under Makeup But a few strategic steps can prevent that from happening, like using a lightweight moisturizer and wearing a makeup-friendly SPF that absorbs quickly, dries down smoothly, and doesn’t leave behind a slick or tacky finish.
—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tacky
Adjective
Everything artificial belongs here—the Backrooms absorbs tacky trophies of commercialism.
—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Yet the show goes on, from their tacky dance number to the limo ride home.
—
Judy Berman,
Time,
27 May 2026
Reducing every tactile input to the same kind of press on a giant touchscreen that dominates the interior of a vehicle feels both tacky and unwieldy.
—
Tc Sottek,
The Verge,
27 May 2026
Our Top Sunscreens Under Makeup But a few strategic steps can prevent that from happening, like using a lightweight moisturizer and wearing a makeup-friendly SPF that absorbs quickly, dries down smoothly, and doesn’t leave behind a slick or tacky finish.
—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tacky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tacky
Adjective
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Realbotix said the platform includes education-specific safety controls, district oversight, and safeguards designed to prevent inappropriate responses.
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That meant that anybody who’s doing anything that could be called terrorism, including eco terrorists, however inappropriate the term, was going to be a target.
Adjective
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The Reflecting Pool has been a pet project of the president, who, before renovations got underway this spring, characterized it as dilapidated and dirty and said previous presidents had neglected it.
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Unable to pay rent, the boys moved several hours away to the small, dilapidated house with the leaky roof where rent is minimal.
Adjective
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The adhesive trap under a prep table with a slicer wasn’t cleared and contained five dead roaches.
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Removing stubborn stains like adhesive residue takes persistence, especially if the remnant is aged.
Adjective
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Serve the cheesy sliders warm with extra marinara for dipping.
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Easy, cheesy, meaty, and layered together for the ultimate spoonful of comfort.
Adjective
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Underdog startups and neglected divisions tell similar stories.
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Cinematographer Guillermo Garza shoots neglected settings like fine art, embracing the grime.
Adjective
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The shiny, non-sticky formula is infused with a hyaluronic acid complex, mango seed butter, and fruit extracts to keep lips feeling comfortable.
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Use yellow sticky traps to monitor.
Adjective
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In 2023 the agency documented signs of stress in sloths during public encounters, improper handling of a juvenile kangaroo and environmental conditions deemed unsuitable for a sloth’s care.
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As a result of the unsuitable conditions, Stevie was starving and dehydrated.
Adjective
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The movie follows two train stewardesses for a trashy train line, Tess and DeeDee, played by Drag Race alumni Ginger Minj and Jujubee, respectively.
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Platner and his wife have characterized public concern about his past behavior and statements as mere gossip and trashy headlines, but there’s good reason to see in this mess both evidence of poor personal judgment and a harbinger of things to come.
Cite this Entry
“Tacky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tacky. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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