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
Others vouch for its glowy results without a greasy or sticky finish.
—
Essence Wiley, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Cramer said strong signs from forwarding holiday spending suggest inflation may remain sticky, setting up tension between a president eager to contain prices and consumers who have borne the brunt of inflation.
—Luke Fountain, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
To keep a tension rod from slipping, look for rods that have rubber stoppers on the ends or that come with sticky wall brackets.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026
It's been nearly a decade since The Night Manager ensnared viewers in its sticky web of arms dealers, secret agents, and dodgy bureaucrats.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sticky
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Essence Wiley, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Cramer said strong signs from forwarding holiday spending suggest inflation may remain sticky, setting up tension between a president eager to contain prices and consumers who have borne the brunt of inflation.
—Luke Fountain, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
To keep a tension rod from slipping, look for rods that have rubber stoppers on the ends or that come with sticky wall brackets.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026
It's been nearly a decade since The Night Manager ensnared viewers in its sticky web of arms dealers, secret agents, and dodgy bureaucrats.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 8 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 13 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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