cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

1

a

: resembling or suggesting cheese especially in consistency or odor

b

: containing cheese

2

: shabby sense 3c, cheap

a cheesy movie

cheesy motels

cheesiness noun

Synonyms of cheesy

• inappropriate
• tacky
• unsuitable
• trashy
• incorrect
• wrong
• tasteless
• cheap
• unfashionable

Examples of cheesy in a Sentence

cheesy plastic knickknacks lined the fireplace mantel

a cheesy watch that he bought from a sidewalk vendor preying on tourists

Recent Examples on the Web

This creamy, cheesy chicken casserole is one of our most popular recipes of 2026 for a reason. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 10 June 2026

Parmesan is baked onto the outside of the pizza's crust so every bite delivers a cheesy moment. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 9 June 2026

While the 1953 film is undeniably cheesy, director Byron Haskin’s exclamatory take is utterly charming and irresistible. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 8 June 2026

Decades later, some of the biggest criticisms of Communion are arguably among its most charming virtues, from Walken's idiosyncratic performance as a man on the verge of a nervous breakdown to the cheesy special effects. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cheesy

• breezy
• easy
• queasy
• sleazy
• wheezy
• marchese
• speakeasy
• uneasy

Kids Definition

cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

1

a

: resembling or suggesting cheese

b

: containing cheese

2

: cheap sense 3a

a cheesy movie

cheesiness noun

Medical Definition

cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

: resembling cheese in consistency

cheesy lesions

a cheesy discharge