cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

1

a

: resembling or suggesting cheese especially in consistency or odor

b

: containing cheese

2

: shabby sense 3c, cheap

a cheesy movie

cheesy motels

cheesiness noun

Synonyms of cheesy

• inappropriate
• tacky
• unsuitable
• trashy
• incorrect
• wrong
• tasteless
• cheap
• unfashionable

Examples of cheesy in a Sentence

cheesy plastic knickknacks lined the fireplace mantel

a cheesy watch that he bought from a sidewalk vendor preying on tourists

Recent Examples on the Web

Food writer, photographer, and human embodiment of French-Girl-chic Chloe Crane-Leroux advises keeping decor simple but thoughtful in order to avoid feeling too try-hard or cheesy. —Erin Bunch, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026

Pasta lovers will appreciate the Lobster Pasta au Gratin, where cavatappi pasta is coated in a creamy, cheesy lobster sauce, topped with Maine and langostino lobster, and finished with mozzarella cheese that is baked until golden brown. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026

And the moreish cheesy and flavorful french onion soup is alone worth a visit. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

He was enthralled by the macaroni and cheese here, pasta shells in a creamy, white, cheesy sauce. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cheesy

• breezy
• easy
• queasy
• sleazy
• wheezy
• marchese
• speakeasy
• uneasy

Kids Definition

cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

1

a

: resembling or suggesting cheese

b

: containing cheese

2

: cheap sense 3a

a cheesy movie

cheesiness noun

Medical Definition

cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

: resembling cheese in consistency

cheesy lesions

a cheesy discharge