as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
the novel has an icky sentimentality that makes my skin crawl
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 icky
Best for Mature Skin: Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer
Every shade of this stick has neutral undertones, so no need to worry about icky orange vibes—a victory for fair skin types.
—
Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2025
As the icky Ick mutates from being a benign vine-like growth to a murderous alien entity, Hank might have a surprising, unexpected relationship with his student Grace (Malina Pauli Weissman) who just happens to be the daughter of Suvari’s Staci, his high school romance.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 26 July 2025
Instead of moving to the stomach, food gets trapped there, putrefying and giving off icky odors.
—Betsy Andrews, Saveur, 17 July 2025
Be warned, you will also be left feeling a little bit icky.
—Grace Dean, Space.com, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for icky
Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2025
As the icky Ick mutates from being a benign vine-like growth to a murderous alien entity, Hank might have a surprising, unexpected relationship with his student Grace (Malina Pauli Weissman) who just happens to be the daughter of Suvari’s Staci, his high school romance.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 26 July 2025
Instead of moving to the stomach, food gets trapped there, putrefying and giving off icky odors.
—Betsy Andrews, Saveur, 17 July 2025
Be warned, you will also be left feeling a little bit icky.
—Grace Dean, Space.com, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for icky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for icky
Adjective
-
The first season of The Office was particularly unpleasant at times, with some of Michael’s most appalling behavior, and The Paper avoids this almost entirely.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
If the egg smells unpleasant or has discoloration, discard the egg.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The once-beloved pastels will become harsh.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The pilgrimage, listed on the official calendar of jubilee events, comes as gay Catholics look to Pope Leo XIV to continue down the bold path of his predecessor to welcome into the church a group that has in the past faced alienation and sometimes harsh treatment.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Smears on non-sensor areas of the tiara are like bug debris on your hood, aesthetically unpleasing but not harmful.—
Eric Tegler,
Popular Mechanics,
1 Oct. 2019
-
His side's inability to finish off the game against Burnley on the other hand was very unpleasing.—
SI.com,
SI.com,
1 Feb. 2018
Adjective
-
This was a classic Smith performance with tons of yardage and some risky throws with both good and bad results.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
You were called something much worse, and [it was] accepted.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Sean Gardner/Getty Images This comes just weeks after Zilisch suffered a nasty fall from his car in Victory Lane at Watkins Glen, which resulted in a broken collarbone.—
Lydia Mee,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Parents pushing, people cutting lines, nasty attitudes everywhere, especially outside and in Sephora.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This comes after Sunday's ugly loss to the Indianapolis Colts, a game that saw Hill catch just four passes for 40 yards.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
-
That’s a hard reality to stomach for Giants fans, who had to watch their offense go 4-for-16 on third downs, pile up just 157 passing yards and finish with six points in an ugly loss to the Commanders.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The sour note was Inigo Martinez’s exit to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Teng ended his afternoon having allowed four runs over four-plus innings with eight strikeouts and five walks, a sour end to a great beginning.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And putting it on her fingers and in your babies mouth is disgusting.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Because there are more aliens aboard the Maginot than just a Xenomorph, Hawley adds a few new wrinkles to the usual disgusting Alien progression of face-hugger to chest-burster.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Icky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/icky. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share