1
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
the cop was feeling hinky about the whole situation and was starting to think that it was a setup
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
after noticing that the driver seemed hinky, the border guard demanded that he submit to an inspection of his vehicle
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hinky
These sorts of trust schemes have been around a long time and are known by a variety of hinky names such as the constitutional equity pure trust or a pure trust organization.
—
Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Even with such an expansion afoot, odd missteps, hinky plotholes, and confounding questions still abound.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024
These sorts of trust schemes have been around a long time and are known by a variety of hinky names such as the constitutional equity pure trust or a pure trust organization.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Well, that's the question that some people will ask is: Why didn't someone just throw a hinky vote at someone?
—EW.com, 2 Nov. 2023
Lumber prices have shot up again in a rise reminiscent of a year ago, when high-climbing wood prices warned of the hinky supply lines and broad inflation to come.
—Ryan Dezember, WSJ, 19 Dec. 2021
Some of these outcasts — like the would-be killer of Ronald Reagan, John Hinckley (a hinky looking Adam Chanler-Berat) — are all too familiar.
—Marilyn Stasio, Variety, 14 Nov. 2021
Certainly, there was no shortage of hinky transactions precipitated by the debtors who were intent on protecting their residence as long as possible.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2021
The scene at the small, Northeast Hancock Street house was hinky.
—oregonlive, 3 May 2021
Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Even with such an expansion afoot, odd missteps, hinky plotholes, and confounding questions still abound.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024
These sorts of trust schemes have been around a long time and are known by a variety of hinky names such as the constitutional equity pure trust or a pure trust organization.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Well, that's the question that some people will ask is: Why didn't someone just throw a hinky vote at someone?
—EW.com, 2 Nov. 2023
Lumber prices have shot up again in a rise reminiscent of a year ago, when high-climbing wood prices warned of the hinky supply lines and broad inflation to come.
—Ryan Dezember, WSJ, 19 Dec. 2021
Some of these outcasts — like the would-be killer of Ronald Reagan, John Hinckley (a hinky looking Adam Chanler-Berat) — are all too familiar.
—Marilyn Stasio, Variety, 14 Nov. 2021
Certainly, there was no shortage of hinky transactions precipitated by the debtors who were intent on protecting their residence as long as possible.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2021
The scene at the small, Northeast Hancock Street house was hinky.
—oregonlive, 3 May 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hinky
Adjective
-
Investing Too Much, Too Soon AI is evolving rapidly, leaving businesses unsure whether to be pioneers, early adopters or cautious followers.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
While this change could reduce tax burdens, the specifics remain murky, leaving businesses unsure of how to plan financially.—
Matt Rozo,
Mercury News,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
My client is worried about losing benefits, which is not a reason to worry.—
Diane Omdahl,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
Investors had also been worried about the fallout from sweeping U.S. tariffs that are prompting businesses to rein in spending.—
Deborah Sophia and Aditya Soni,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
The individual was identified as Samuel Stovall, 51, and authorities said his death hasn't been deemed suspicious.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
-
Police were called to a section of Third Street for a report of a suspicious car, and ended up finding the man’s body inside, authorities said.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Dellow was nervous about rush hour traffic, but the Uber dropped Nikishin off at 6:45 p.m. at the airport.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
-
Your younger colleague is nervous about each conversation.—
Jay Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Some are skeptical given his slight wingspan and arm length and wonder if a move to left guard may eventually be necessary.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Listen, many Gomez fans were skeptical when the singer confirmed her relationship with the prolific music producer back in December 2023.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Gannon informed Nolen that Johnson was a little upset with falling into the second round.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
-
In medical settings, it's used to treat poisoning, overdoses, high cholesterol, hangovers, and upset stomach.—
Ashley Wong,
Health,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The uncertain fate of his best friend impacts Si-eun throughout the season.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Neutral weather conditions bring uncertain weather risks An ENSO-neutral pattern can bring drier-than-normal weather, or drought conditions could persist in certain regions.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Another reason people put off going to bed is to avoid feeling anxious or restless, said James Rowley, MD, a sleep medicine expert at Rush University Medical Center and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
30 Apr. 2025
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Professionally, Xavier is anxious about future tax exposure from his deferred compensation.—
Brian Lasher,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hinky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hinky. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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