sticky

adjective

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\ 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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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 Ali G pitched Donald Trump about investing in an ice cream glove that would prevent your hand from getting sticky. — Maureen Dowd, New York Times, "Sacha Baron Cohen: This Time He’s Serious," 17 Oct. 2020 Brown once prided herself on having a phenomenal memory, but now posts colored sticky notes everywhere to jog her short-term memory. — Erin Schumaker, ABC News, "COVID long-haulers speak about living with brain fog, rancid smells and crushing fatigue," 20 Mar. 2021 The first company to fund under the new rules is M.C. Squares, a maker of reusable sticky notes funded by multi millionaire investor and Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary. — Dan Runkevicius, Forbes, "Kevin O’Leary: Every Investor Should Diversify Into Startups," 17 Mar. 2021 One stressful day and an Amazon Prime purchase later, my sticky notes are back and so is my sense of sanity. — Cnn Underscored Staff, CNN Underscored, "All the WFH essentials that we now can’t live without," 8 Mar. 2021 Some brands of tape leave a sticky residue when removed; this type must be avoided. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "Three Wine Racks Your Can Build Yourself," 13 Feb. 2021 Luckily, no damage was done to the memorial, only some extra cleaning to remove the sticky residue, Prinzing said. — Allen Kim, CNN, "Anne Frank memorial vandalized with swastikas," 10 Dec. 2020 Adding too much detergent can create extra suds that don't completely rinse out of clothes, leaving behind a sticky residue that attracts more dirt, dust, and bacteria. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, "7 Common Laundry Mistakes That Could Be Damaging Your Clothes," 28 Aug. 2020 Remove husks on tomatillos and wash off sticky residue. — Joan Elovitz Kazan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "No Fiesta? No Problem. Local families share Mexican Favorites for at-home Fiestas," 13 Aug. 2020

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.

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