1
as in sloppy
lacking neatness in dress or person
a dowdy old matron
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Recent Examples of dowdy
The dowdy and shy Ursula is diabetic and has lost her eyesight in one eye.
—
Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
These designs deliver on arch support without feeling dowdy.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, the cutout neckline and darted bodice prevent it from being dowdy.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
Jane and Kit stand on either side, looking dowdy in black dresses and veils (not really an Irish thing).
—Cullen Murphy, airmail.news, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dowdy
Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
These designs deliver on arch support without feeling dowdy.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, the cutout neckline and darted bodice prevent it from being dowdy.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
Jane and Kit stand on either side, looking dowdy in black dresses and veils (not really an Irish thing).
—Cullen Murphy, airmail.news, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dowdy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dowdy
Adjective
-
The sloppy play extended beyond the penalties.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The sweater’s hip-skimming length and relaxed cut result in a fit that feels effortlessly lived-in (not sloppy), while its wear-with-anything design is easy to style.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The girl also reported seeing inappropriate images on the screensaver of an iPad at Berrelez’s home.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
3 Oct. 2025
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Judge Arun Subramanian noted the tone of the defense's letter was inappropriate and should not be done again.—
Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich , Kirill Clark,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Whatever Gentiles might have thought in private, the Nazis had made overt antisemitism unfashionable, even odious.—
Ian Buruma,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
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Google was an early entrant in 2013 with Google Glass, although that device was unpopular with consumers because of its high price, unfashionable look, limited functionality and short battery life.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Her soft, shaggy lob is easygoing and effortless—a departure from her past looks, which were heavy, messy-on-purpose blowouts.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
30 Sep. 2025
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Halle Berry and Sabrina Elba both opted for shaggy brown haircuts; the former, a highlighted bob, and the latter, a mid-length single-tone with textured bangs.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The environment, rich in chemicals and low in oxygen due to bacterial mats, was unsuitable for scavengers.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Sep. 2025
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Due to the approaching darkness and unsuitable weather conditions, rescuers could not be deployed that night out of concern for their safety.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The fit is snug and flattering, so there’s nothing unkempt about it, even though the vibe is casual.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Proper creativity makes for unkempt spaces.—
Katie da Cunha Lewin
September 26,
Literary Hub,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Hoka Women’s Kaha 2 GTX Waterproof Hiking Boots Hiking boots don’t need to be frumpy and unstylish—just look at this adorable pair that’s now up to 59 percent off just in time for the Fourth of July.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
5 July 2025
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Only this time, Trump’s ambush was far more clearly choreographed, and thus somewhat less unstylish.—
Jonny Steinberg,
Time,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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To Washington, a beard made a man look unkempt and slovenly, masking the higher emotions that civility required.—
Maurizio Valsania,
The Conversation,
2 Oct. 2025
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The other near certainty in Lead Actor should be Gary Oldman, who anchors Slow Horses with a slovenly charisma that is, against all odds, deeply watchable.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dowdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dowdy. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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