1
as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact
both sides of the tape are sticky, making it a little tricky to work with
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in humid
containing or characterized by an uncomfortable amount of moisture
a warm sticky day when all we wanted to do was sit somewhere with air-conditioning
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3
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
an especially sticky conversation about money matters
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4
as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
sticky love scenes that will bore cynics to death
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sticky
To discourage ants from returning, inspect new plants, use a sticky barrier, or create a moat.
—
Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
Contract negotiations typically address work conditions and other issues besides compensation, and this year’s talks were expected to include one particularly sticky point: working from home.
—Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2025
Add the warm water and olive oil and combine until a sticky dough forms.
—Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 15 July 2025
Any kind of presence, no matter how brief, can be sticky.
—Alexandra Mendoza, Mercury News, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticky
Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
Contract negotiations typically address work conditions and other issues besides compensation, and this year’s talks were expected to include one particularly sticky point: working from home.
—Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2025
Add the warm water and olive oil and combine until a sticky dough forms.
—Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 15 July 2025
Any kind of presence, no matter how brief, can be sticky.
—Alexandra Mendoza, Mercury News, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sticky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sticky
Adjective
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One of the more innovative parts of the new study was its use of wearable ECG monitors—small, adhesive patches worn on the chest that record heart activity 24/7.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
16 July 2025
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Yes | Reusable: Yes (over 50 times) Similar to reusable nipple covers, adhesive pasties offer subtle coverage when wearing sheer clothing.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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Leaving your dog in the car with the windows down isn't effective to reducing hot and humid temperatures, according to Haile Plantation Animal Clinic, an animal clinic based in Florida.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
24 July 2025
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An early look at the weekend forecast indicates rain chances decreasing, setting up a hot and humid weekend.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Some students may face family challenges that affect their ability to get to school, and some changes to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test, such as its move to online instead of paper form, could be difficult for students who only access computers at school, Maldonado said.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Diseases that are difficult to manage without early intervention, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer, place a significant burden on health care budgets and patient quality of life.—
Kim Praitano,
Sun Sentinel,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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Bottom line: If the fabric is fussy, valuable, or sentimental, let the experts handle it.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
28 July 2025
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Romance feels more sentimental now, and even platonic relationships take on a more nurturing tone.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
27 July 2025
Adjective
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Rinse the pot—make sure the pot is damp but not soaking wet.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
23 July 2025
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Slugs, snails, and even earwigs will often congregate in these damp spots and be much easier to collect.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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The tougher policy changes are adding to the minors’ trauma, advocates say.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
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Stellantis' loss, versus a 5.6 billion euro net profit a year earlier, underscores the tough challenges for new CEO Antonio Filosa, who was appointed in May after a disastrous performance in the company's crucial U.S. market in 2024 forced the ouster of former boss Carlos Tavares.—
Giulio Piovaccari,
Freep.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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But instead of looking shapeless or sloppy, Klum proves this formula can be quite modern and stylish when done with classic basics like a white shirt and jeans.—
Emma Mehl,
Glamour,
23 July 2025
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His hair’s not looking all sloppy in the morning anymore.—
Alyssa Cooper
July 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Businesses cannot process sensitive data without obtaining consumer consent.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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The website Health in Her Hue, for example, connects Black women and women of color to culturally sensitive healthcare providers.—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sticky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sticky. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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