clammy

adjective

ˈkla-mē How to pronounce clammy (audio)
Definition of clammynext
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling after a clammy handshake, the two bitter rivals squared off for a no-holds-barred debate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of clammy Heat exhaustion symptoms can include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, lightheadedness or headache, loss of appetite or nausea, according to New York City Emergency Management. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026 Warning signs include dizziness, a rapid but weak pulse and cool, clammy skin. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 9 June 2026 During the day's exploring, employ the buddy system and look out for signs of heat illness like feeling dizzy, experiencing nausea or muscle cramps and sweating with cool and clammy skin. — ABC News, 8 June 2026 The ring presses a circle of pain into the clammy skin of her palm. — Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clammy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clammy
  1. icy
  2. cold
  3. chilly
  4. frigid
  5. brittle
  6. cool
Adjective
  • These women of the W aren’t the only professional athletes to point out their icy relationship with their commissioner.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • For an additional pop of color, Cardi wore her hair in an icy blue bob that was parted to the side and curled under at the ends.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • It was instead caused by cold air plummeting to the ground from the upper levels of a passing thunderstorm, experts says.
    — Mark Price July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • For lunch, head outside to The Pocket pool bar and lounge for fish tacos and a cold beer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • The chilliest option on this list, ice diving at Ultima Hotel Courchevel is a thrilling, health-boosting, and mood-enhancing water experience.
    — Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • This weekend, daytime highs in Eureka will be in the mid-to-upper 60s — cooler even than San Francisco, so famed for its chilly summers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of chilly
Adjective
  • Indeed, Russia’s mass barrages last winter of Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure – designed to keep Ukrainians cold, in the dark, and hopeless during the most frigid winter of recent years – are now being answered by Ukraine.
    — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026
  • Though the frigid headmaster answers their questions about his wife and his own timeline without flair, his demeanor immediately puts Annie on edge.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • Low energy, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, fainting, brittle or thin nails, hair loss, cravings to chew ice and restless legs syndrome are a few signs, according to Thomas.
    — Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • As the years go by, the hair shaft tends to thin out, resulting in strands that are more fragile, dull, and brittle.
    — Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 31 July 2026
Definition of brittle
Adjective
  • Once a theater, this is now a center of cool with a restaurant, bar, and menswear shop.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Let the cake cool slightly, for about 15 minutes, before drizzling the pudding over the top.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of cool

Browse Nearby Words

clamming up
clammy
clamor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clammy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clammy. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on clammy

Nglish: Translation of clammy for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of mitigate

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All