sticky

adjective

\ˈsti-kē

stickier; stickiest

Definition of sticky

1a : adhesive

b(1) : viscous, gluey

(2) : coated with a sticky substance

2 : humid, muggy also : clammy

3 : tending to stick

4a : disagreeable, unpleasant came to a sticky end

b : awkward, stiff

c : difficult, problematic a sticky situation

5 : excessively sentimental : cloying

Other Words from sticky Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about sticky

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Synonyms & Antonyms for sticky

Synonyms

damp, humid, muggy, sultry

Antonyms

dry

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

But a sticky situation has arisen from the Illinois rally on Saturday, October 27. — Emily Bloch, Teen Vogue, "Following Synagogue Shooting, Trump's Visit to Pittsburgh Was Met With Protests," 30 Oct. 2018 With its sticky spiderwebs and plastic pumpkins, Halloween decoration has an inherent kitsch-factor. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Can Halloween Home Decor Be Chic? These Items Make the Case," 26 Oct. 2018 Add two eggs to food processor and process until mixture resembles a sticky dough. — Stephanie Eckelkamp, Good Housekeeping, "How to Make Cheddar-Bacon Dog Treats That Are Way Tastier Than Store-Bought," 5 Sep. 2018 Wearing tights with sticky pads on the bottom so her feet stay in her shoes at all times. — Isabel Greenberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kate Middleton Has a Genius Hack To Keep Her Shoes and Tights from Slipping," 22 Aug. 2018 To avoid a sticky, doughy mess, place a disk of cookie dough between two sheets of parchment paper before flattening it with a rolling pin. — The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "This Best-Ever Sugar Cookie Recipe Will Get You in the Holiday Spirit," 19 Sep. 2018 There is an excessive heat warning in Philadelphia and Wednesday promises to be a hot, sticky mess. — Mari A. Schaefer, Philly.com, "Sun and food safety tips for the Fourth of July," 3 July 2018 The predicament extends not just to foundation—which can feel like an oppressive mask on a 100-degree day in mid-July—but to mascara as well, which dissolves into a sticky mess as the mercury rises. — Celia Ellenberg, Vogue, "11 Melt-Proof Mascaras to Carry You Through the Summer," 27 June 2018 The dough Piazza is developing, in other words, is nearly half water by weight, making for a slippery, sticky mess that’s incredibly difficult to work with. — Dominic Armato, azcentral, "Roman Pizza in Phoenix? Piazza Romana, a new kind of pizzeria, opening in Avondale," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sticky.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.