1
as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
corny violin music during the movie's love scenes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rustical
tiresomely obvious and unsophisticated
the audience groaned as the emcee told one corny joke after another
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of corny
Not in a corny romantic comedy, ‘this person completes me’ sort of tone.
—
Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
In the wrong director’s hands, the show could seem too grown up for kids and too corny for adults.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
At a photo booth, guests grabbed signs with all sorts of corny, apropos quips for a retirement party: Having fun is my new job.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025
He’s beloved in the math and science wing, a big guy with a grin and graying hair who peppers lessons on polynomial functions with corny jokes.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for corny
Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
In the wrong director’s hands, the show could seem too grown up for kids and too corny for adults.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
At a photo booth, guests grabbed signs with all sorts of corny, apropos quips for a retirement party: Having fun is my new job.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025
He’s beloved in the math and science wing, a big guy with a grin and graying hair who peppers lessons on polynomial functions with corny jokes.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for corny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corny
Adjective
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Whether preserving the original design (like Adrienne Bailon in 2019) or creatively recycling it (as Troian Bellisario did at the 2020 Golden Globes), these sentimental pieces are finding new life.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
17 May 2025
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While the highlight of the weekend is usually the Dragon Boat Races — which have drawn competitors and crowds since 1991 — the sentimental favorite is the water lantern release onto the lake.—
Edwin Goei,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Sinner won a bizarre semifinal in his first tournament back from a three-month doping ban, while Alcaraz triumphed in a sloppy duel.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
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Denver defeated Gang Green 10-9 last season in a rainy, sloppy affair at MetLife Stadium.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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In a less convincing performance, Guth’s goth staging might quickly start to look hokey.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
30 Apr. 2025
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Mina-Rau, with its floating silos and sweeping fields, just feels much more lived-in and realistic than Snyder’s hokey Veldt.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The reviews and social conversation were becoming apparent that this had inserted itself into the culture in a really sticky way.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2025
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Eating sugary or sticky foods before bed can also impact your oral health.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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There’s a fair share of cornball dialogue in Cornelius Uliano and Bryan Schulz’s screenplay, as well as an excess of reassuring schmaltz at the fadeout.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2024
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Another scream for this bad, unabashedly cornball line.—
Evan Minsker,
Rolling Stone,
5 Sep. 2024
Adjective
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Yet, the rustic charm comes with quirks that would test even the most adventurous.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
22 May 2025
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Featuring an outdoor pool and two hot tubs (a rarity in the U.K.), Cliveden’s spa is a dreamy place nestled behind rustic brick walls to lounge on a balmy Saturday or Sunday.—
Claudia Fisher,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Corny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corny. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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