stickier; stickiest
1
3
: tending to stick
4
a
: disagreeable, unpleasant
came to a sticky end
c
: difficult, problematic
a sticky situation
5
: excessively sentimental : cloying
Examples of sticky in a Sentence
The sap is very sticky.
There is a sticky substance on the table.
The paint was still sticky.
The weather was hot and sticky.
Recent Examples on the Web
How to Clean Your Kitchen With Rubbing Alcohol The experts recommend using rubbing alcohol for everything from sticky countertop spills to grease splatter on cabinets.
—
Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 4 Jan. 2026
These include the ability to form sticky biofilms that anchor them to surfaces, robust DNA repair mechanisms to counter radiation damage, and the capacity to form tough, dormant spores that endure even the most punishing conditions.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026
In turn, the market could continue to suffer from a lack of supply, making options limited and prices sticky.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2026
Use Liquid Hand Soap Bar soaps are great but can leave a sticky mess on the counter or in the soap dish.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sticky
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Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 4 Jan. 2026
These include the ability to form sticky biofilms that anchor them to surfaces, robust DNA repair mechanisms to counter radiation damage, and the capacity to form tough, dormant spores that endure even the most punishing conditions.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026
In turn, the market could continue to suffer from a lack of supply, making options limited and prices sticky.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2026
Use Liquid Hand Soap Bar soaps are great but can leave a sticky mess on the counter or in the soap dish.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sticky
Cite this Entry
“Sticky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticky. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sticky
adjective
stickier; stickiest
1
a
: adhesive entry 1, gluey
sticky syrup
b
: coated with a sticky substance
the tabletop was sticky
3
: tending to stick
sticky windows
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