1
as in sloppy
lacking neatness in dress or person
a dowdy old matron
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
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
Defense leaders have sat on their hands, refusing to acknowledge the need for dowdy, run-of-the-mill tankers.
—Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Hydropower has a dowdy, low tech image that conjures visions of concrete and degraded ecosystems.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2015
See All Example Sentences for dowdy
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
Defense leaders have sat on their hands, refusing to acknowledge the need for dowdy, run-of-the-mill tankers.
—Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Hydropower has a dowdy, low tech image that conjures visions of concrete and degraded ecosystems.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2015
See All Example Sentences for dowdy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dowdy
Adjective
-
In a women’s semifinal, Slovak Marianna Jagercikova got snow stuck in the bindings of her ski boots, causing a sloppy transition, which ended her chances of advancing to the final.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Drop shoulders and a high-low hemline keep the top relaxed, while the classic wide-leg pants offer pajama-like comfort without looking sloppy.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
After Clark stepped down on Tuesday because an internal investigation unearthed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, the union announced on Wednesday that Meyer will take over on an interim basis entering a pivotal year for the future of the sport.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The Russia date has sparked backlash from fans, who argue that performing in Moscow during Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine is inappropriate.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while wrinkled leaves can point to underwatering.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Gilberto and Kleberson formed an unfashionable midfield duo largely unknown outside Brazil.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Here’s a rapid-fire update on each stock in the portfolio, starting with seven currently unfashionable names that Jim says should soon be back in style.—
Paulina Likos,Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
12 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Other highlights from the week included the Tory Burch show, where Pamela Anderson sported a shaggy blonde bob and joined stars from Marcello Hernandez and Amanda Seyfried to Tessa Thompson and Myha'la.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Showing off a pair of shaggy front bangs, Klum finished off her monochromatic look with skintight latex leggings and a pair of sky-high scarlet stilettos.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This is a significant issue for a project intended for deep-space mission launches, microgravity research, and space manufacturing – only for it to be found unsuitable for any of those goals, largely due to the presence of the astronauts themselves.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Its old building, constructed in 1939 for the Social Security Board, needed expensive renovations; reportedly had ancient, faulty wiring; was far too big; and was generally unsuitable for modern journalism.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This slow-growing columnar cactus looks striking in a pot because it’s covered in white, wooly spines that look like unkempt hair.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2026
-
It should be noted that Ruffalo’s detective is unkempt in direct proportion to the way Hemsworth wears a tailored black suit.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The defendants argued that Rashada had provided an incorrect retelling of events and maintained there was no deal.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
18 Feb. 2026
-
An earlier version of this story had an incorrect spelling for the last name of Russ Hamilton.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dowdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dowdy. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
