corny

adjective

ˈkȯr-nē How to pronounce corny (audio)
Definition of cornynext
1
as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way corny violin music during the movie's love scenes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hokey
tiresomely obvious and unsophisticated the audience groaned as the emcee told one corny joke after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 corny Something this big and clearly thematic could have been corny and, well, cartoonish. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 1 June 2026 From scandals, to corny tactics and platforms, to terrible analysis, this gubernatorial race has been a contest to forget. — Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 27 May 2026 Among other posts, Pearce shares mollusk insights (paired with corny jokes) every Monday under the signature #MolluskMonday. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 The first camp thinks Slayr is just corny, contrasting the aggro music with his lowkey presentation and love of anime. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for corny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corny
  1. sentimental
  2. hokey
  3. sloppy
  4. cornball
  5. sticky
  6. rustic
  7. corn-fed
Adjective
  • Backyard weddings are among the most sentimental and intimate of celebrations.
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than a sentimental image of maternal love and devotion, Cassatt depicts the sheer effort of remaining oneself within the consuming closeness of caring for one’s child.
    — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sentimental
Adjective
  • Its central plot remains conventional, and its demonology — including a hokey expansion involving the mysterious Cult of the Wise Men — routinely functions more as a set piece than as a serious mystery.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
  • Like the hokey gag of Lineker pretending to introduce the show before Woods interrupted.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 21 June 2026
Definition of hokey
Adjective
  • With a pointed collar and button cuffs, flannels look more put-together than sloppy sweatshirts, all while staying comfy and relaxed.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That screwed up the works / And not due to his sloppy hiring / Of a crew of incompetent jerks.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sloppy
Adjective
  • Generations of ski families flocked to his films every fall to get revved up for a new ski season and laugh at his cornball humor.
    — John Meyer, Denver Post, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Davis and Head make strong impressions, masking the pedestrian, sometimes cornball dialogue.
    — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of cornball
Adjective
  • Use apple cider vinegar traps or sticky traps to catch adult gnats, and inspect plants before bringing them indoors.
    — Leah Chester-Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Rising gas prices, sticky inflation and rising unemployment in the Black community threaten many small businesses that serve Black consumers.
    — Frank Holland, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of sticky
Adjective
  • This set comes with four chairs made from bamboo that have a natural, rustic-looking finish.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Blockchain has also become useful in rustic states with expanding technology sectors, such as South Dakota.
    — K.H. Koehler, Ascend Agency, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of rustic
Adjective
  • Growing up in Brookville, OH, my family would call this kid corn-fed.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • The Lycra Company has corn-fed stretch.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of corn-fed

Browse Nearby Words

cornucopias
corny
corollaries
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Corny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corny. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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