JERKY Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

jerky

adjective

ˈjər-kē

Definition of jerky

as in rough

marked by a series of sharp quick motions made jerky progress walking with the new crutches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stupid

showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment he's acting jerky just to get people's attention

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 jerky And when the driver knows how to accelerate, lane-change and brake smoothly, without any jerky movements or pitching—like our driver, then the transfer is that much more pleasant. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2026 Charlie, Rachel and Mike’s confessions range between youthfully jerky to downright repugnant. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 The jerky company Slim Jim has commented on many Fruit Love Island videos. — Kat Tenbarge, Wired News, 25 Mar. 2026 Mid-level roles included a deli/food service associate responsible for preparing Buc-ee's signature barbecue, baked goods, jerky, fudge and sandwiches, and a store bookkeeper managing daily accounting and cash reconciliation. — Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jerky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jerky

Adjective

His rough exterior and no-nonsense approach tend to typecast him as a football machine devoid of personality or emotion.

— Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Mercury's rough surface, continually reshaped by debris hurled from impact craters, may have hidden the true extent of the loss, according to the researchers whose findings appear in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of rough

Adjective

Heat and uneven rainfall have stressed forests in some areas, while timely moisture has kept others lush.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Waterproof formula—but doesn’t feel like a typical waterproof foundation, which can feel heavy and settle into uneven texture.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of uneven

Adjective

That was a valuable lesson as the previous season, silly errors and lapses in concentration led to the side conceding goals that hamstrung their title ambitions.

— Art de Roché, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Seen as silly, shrunken, and impractical, it’s considered the full-sugar Coca-Cola of jackets—all empty calories, no nutritional value.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of silly

Adjective

Wilkinson pitched well enough to win his major-league debut in Cleveland last month and had experienced choppier seas since then, but his two scoreless innings in a down game resulted in a surprising milestone.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Cate Blanchett looks unrecognizable with brunette hair and choppy bangs in first-look photos for her alien comedy film Alpha Gang.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of choppy

Adjective

Our readers have been shopping deals on everything from a $160-off Dyson Airwrap and a Costco membership freebie to Patagonia gear, Bath & Body Works candles and a surprisingly affordable Dooney & Bourke bag (seriously, under $100 is crazy).

— Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
While fans were going crazy, storming the field and soaking up the moment, the team couldn’t wait to leave that game behind.

— Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026