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.
Ultimately, Franco jettisons his characters for the sake of unearned plot twists that leave the viewer feeling only icky. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2026 Ultimately, Franco jettisons his characters for the sake of unearned plot twists that leave the viewer feeling only icky. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 Ultimately, Franco jettisons his characters for the sake of unearned plot twists that leave the viewer feeling only icky. Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026 Cosell, for want of a better word, could be icky, especially around young actresses. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Feb. 2026 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 13 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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