icky

adjective

ˈi-kē How to pronounce icky (audio)
Definition of ickynext
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

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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 In Portland, the squabble between the city and the Trail Blazers feels icky and wholly unnecessary. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 23 July 2026 But our wedding, that like really just felt icky. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 18 June 2026 With this rare foray into horror, Demme directs with his customary warmth, wit, and humanity, but never shies away from the icky details. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 Everybody’s going to be a critic and troll and be icky on social media. — Selome Hailu, Variety, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for icky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for icky
  1. unpleasant
  2. harsh
  3. unpleasing
  4. bad
  5. nasty
  6. ugly
  7. sour
  8. horrible
Adjective
  • George is being extremely unpleasant toward everyone and seems to be moving toward a breakdown.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Consumers across the country have described to CBS California Investigates, and in hundreds of online reviews, their unpleasant experiences at the stores, alleging they were pressured to make purchases worth thousands of dollars.
    — Amy Corral, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of unpleasant
Adjective
  • Martha Stewart is asking Americans for forgiveness after her Halloween costume drew harsh criticism.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Held without charge, al-Sakani says he was subjected to harsh conditions, including sleep deprivation, inadequate medical care and the withholding of medication.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • The identity of the unpleasing Lindsay Marriott’s slayer has no pressing interest.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • The remarks not only referred to the aesthetics of the game – tedious matches devoid of skillful merit that were unpleasing to watch.
    — Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
Definition of unpleasing
Adjective
  • One option for overhauling the committee, according to people familiar with the situation, is broadening its focus beyond China to explore issues related to other bad foreign actors.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Phillips caught a bad break when her approach to the green hit a tree branch on its upward flight and dropped 20 yards short of the green.
    — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • Surely, though, it is not lost on the audience that this play opens in the middle of a strikingly nasty political campaign to elect members of the Chicago school board, warring Democrats all.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Someone who hung up on your problem is unlikely to listen to a nasty critique and vow to reform.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of nasty
Adjective
  • The warehouse retailer stock was one of just three Club names in the green in Thursday's ugly market.
    — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
  • And not least because no amount of overuse can obscure the ugly origin of 2026’s favorite syntaxx.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of ugly
Adjective
  • Sure, Whitney and Lisa come to some kind of peace, but the vibe turns sour again when Angie once again takes the floor and starts fighting with Bronwyn over being called Lisa’s soldier.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
  • That way, her work ethic and generosity stay sweet and meaningful (when overexposure could easily turn them sour) and the show’s overall tone avoids becoming rote.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of sour
Adjective
  • Their monthlong travel by ship was under horrible conditions.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
  • While the fire was horrible, Hong said some blessings have emerged from the tragedy.
    — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of horrible

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Cite this Entry

“Icky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/icky. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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