DOWDY Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

dowdy

adjective

ˈdau̇-dē

Definition of dowdy

as in sloppy

lacking neatness in dress or person a dowdy old matron

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inappropriate

marked by an obvious lack of style or good taste the dowdy, beat-up furniture at the cheap motel

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 dowdy Cher’s memorable transformation from a dowdy Italian widow residing in Brooklyn, NY, stole the movie. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026 Chris Hemsworth, then, almost as good-looking as GNev himself, with his slightly dowdy brother Luke cast as good old Phil. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026 Bonus points for Sarah Sherman’s dowdy character, who accidentally got on the Epstein list. — Rima Parikh, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2025 Once known for dowdy packaging and perhaps questionable tastes or ingredients, the products now compete with national name brands, sparking a shakeup among major food companies. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dowdy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dowdy

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

The siblings-in-law addressed comments from Alli McBee suggesting their relationship had been inappropriate.

— Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Students also need to learn when AI use is inappropriate, when a primary source has to be read directly and when a judgment is too consequential to delegate.

— Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

Participants with wet but non-wrinkled fingers required significantly more force to maintain the same hold; their hands were working harder to do less.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while wrinkled leaves can point to underwatering.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026

Definition of wrinkled

Adjective

As one Ithacan subject fondly recalls, Odysseus always had an unfashionable belief in playing fair.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
In a country where air conditioning is both uncommon and unfashionable, many have sought relief by swimming, despite the danger involved.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 24 June 2026

Definition of unfashionable

Adjective

The ferocious character also features shaggy black-and-orange hair that matches his tattered pants, and a large necklace adorned with teeth.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 July 2026
In February, the actress was spotted in Los Angeles with film producer Josh Lieberman sporting a short, shaggy haircut that enhanced her natural texture.

— Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Definition of shaggy

Adjective

Milkweed tends to thrive in transitional areas, such as fallow fields, unkempt lawns, and the edges of highways.

— Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Today, some bright spots aside, the Art Deco District’s historic commercial spine is a drab length of vacant and unkempt storefronts, smoke shops, liquor stores, fast-food outlets, cheap T-shirt emporia and other varieties of tourist trap.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

Definition of unkempt

Adjective

Artificial intelligence can worsen this by confidently directing attention, causing users to stop searching prematurely if AI's initial answer is plausible but incorrect.

— Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Incorrect Brew Temperature or Pressure While rather technical, Mynatt notes that using incorrect brew temperatures or pressures can have a significant impact on your espresso and latte.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of incorrect

Browse Nearby Words

dowdily

dowdy

dower

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Dowdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dowdy. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of dowdy

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on dowdy

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

nurture

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes