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

No one likes the sloppy tailoring of Octavius’s open-back suit, but Law loves the jacket.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 July 2026
This thick, brownish concoction, a kind of hot dog chili, is sloppy, packs some heat, and the fiery punch to the taste buds can be a surprise to the uninitiated.

— USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Definition of sloppy

Adjective

But does that in itself tell us that Bellingham’s comments were somehow wrong or inappropriate?

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
The archdiocese also continues to investigate former Bishop Miege President Phil Baniewicz, who was ousted last August after allegations surfaced about inappropriate behavior with a minor.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 14 July 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

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
More to Explore Many of the human props—canes, top hats, desks—used in primate taxidermy became unfashionable in the first half of the nineteenth century, but there were still throwbacks.

— Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 18 May 2026

Definition of unfashionable

Adjective

The shaggy golden Saint Berdoodle was killed on June 13 by an LAPD officer while bounding out of Marseille’s Canoga Park apartment.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Yeoh sported a shaggy platinum crop with dark roots peeping through, pairing her transformation with one of the brand’s signature skirt suits.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Definition of shaggy

Adjective

While accent pillows are a great way to add color and pattern into your room design, overdoing it with too many pillows can make for a busy, unkempt look.

— Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 July 2026
The historic property has been vacant and unkempt since 2015.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2026

Definition of unkempt

Adjective

Inspectors also noticed that cold foods were being held at incorrect temperatures, according to the report.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
In the suit, they are referred to as a guidance counselor and principal, which the school district’s attorneys claim is incorrect.

— Austin Horn July 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of incorrect

Browse Nearby Words

dowdily

dowdy

dower

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Style

“Dowdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dowdy. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of dowdy

adjective

Example Sentences

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