GUNKY Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

gunky

adjective

as in grimy

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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 gunky Gentle, but effective cleanser Between sweat, sunscreen, makeup, dirt, and more, your face can often turn into a gunky mess when traveling. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 One commenter mentioned that the gunky conditions were reminiscent of a river in Colorado overrun by didymo, an algae that can form thick mats, making the water unpleasant for fish, animals and people. — Hannah Smith july 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026 America was built on a thick, gunky crude that comes from other countries including Canada, Saudi Arabia and Central and South American nations. — Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026 But the gunky fascinations of the text remain intact. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gunky

Adjective

Vancouver, for all its celebrity hangouts and major studio and streamer film shoots, is also home to a grimy downtown eastside neighborhood where getting off addictions and out of homelessness for many remains a constant struggle.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
Given the grimy, gory nature of writer-director Paul Greengrass’ historical film, Garfield had to rely on his go-to ways to unwind.

— Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of grimy

Adjective

With stained glass, the gray light from outside is filtered through beautiful pieces of glass.

— Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2026
How To Deep Clean Stained Wood Baseboards For stained wood baseboards, Matthews advises dusting using a dry microfiber cloth and Murphy’s Oil or a wood cleaning oil (remove excessive dirt and crumbs with a vacuum cleaner first).

— Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of stained

Adjective

Using unclean tools can introduce pathogens or diseases to your mint plants, potentially harming them and affecting future harvests.

— Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 14 Sep. 2026
The inspector found unclean conditions and deficient handwashing practices and sanitation methods, according to the spokesperson.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of unclean

Adjective

Avoid using it on wool or silk; this detergent alternative works best on cotton, towels, or grubby work clothes.

— Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 Sep. 2026
That outsider status, some former advisors and close watchers of Carney say, is precisely what gives him room to maneuver, with Canadians seeing him as above the grubby backroom dealing of traditional politics.

— Desiree Adib, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of grubby

Adjective

Wise’s wistful songwriting is retained, but completely missing is his intentionally impure palette.

— Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2026
Kanto practitioners believe that women cannot participate because, according to Japan's Shinto religion, women's blood from menstruation and childbirth is considered impure for the purpose of religious rituals.

— Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025

Definition of impure

Adjective

The mop head was stored directly inside the mop bucket, soiled and wet, and not in use.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
Let the cleaner sit for 15 minutes and blot the excess, or cover it with a damp cloth and leave it for up to 24 hours for heavily soiled or old, set-in spots.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

Definition of soiled

Adjective

The grungy hardware gave way to thick rubber platform soles built for traction and cushioning the feet.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 30 Aug. 2026
Kuk and especially Kodelja shine with naturalistic charm in this delicate two-hander, their easy chemistry making credible the rapport between Maruša’s grungy cynic and Alja’s snuggie-wearing neurotic.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of grungy

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gunk

gunky

gunman

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“Gunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gunky. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of gunky

adjective

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