ickier; ickiest
Synonyms of ickynext
: offensive to the senses or sensibilities : distasteful
had an icky smell
… put off by her icky triteness …Renata Adler
ickiness noun

Examples of icky in a Sentence

The trail was icky with mud. the novel has an icky sentimentality that makes my skin crawl
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Who among us hasn’t put off icky things such as a tedious work assignment, a fridge deep clean or a difficult conversation? Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Jan. 2026 Over time, the screen becomes germy, icky to touch, and jumpy or unresponsive. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026 But the fact that CG wasn't an option back in 1982 undeniably makes the effects more memorable, as the stretching and snapping of latex gives the Thing's transformations an icky, otherworldly quality that computers simply can't match. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 21 Nov. 2025 Her pipes are backed up with icky brown water. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for icky

Word History

Etymology

perhaps baby talk alteration of sticky

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of icky was in 1929

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Icky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icky. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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