kitsch 1 of 2

noun

Definition of kitschnext
as in cheese
something that is of low quality but that many people find amusing and enjoyable The restaurant is decorated with 1950s furniture and kitsch from old TV shows.

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kitsch

2 of 2

adjective

as in kitschy

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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 kitsch
Noun
The vibe here is decidedly kitsch and camp, in the best way possible. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026 The scene of Margaret’s self-confrontation is an extraordinary combination of exaltation and kitsch. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026
Adjective
The Formica interior is from the 1960s and is wonderfully kitsch, perfect for that Insta photo. — Riza Cruz, Vogue, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for kitsch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kitsch
  1. cheese
  2. kitschy
  3. junk
  4. garish
  5. rubbish
  6. gaudy
  7. trash
  8. tawdry
Noun
  • The tequila shrimp empanadas disappear quickly, while the huitlacoche quesadilla folds Oaxaca cheese, mushrooms, roasted corn, and salsa macha crema into something deeper and earthier than most Midtown menus bother attempting.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
  • The breakfast pizza, the migas and the avocado omelet all come with a mild Muenster cheese that doesn’t overpower the flavors.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
Definition of cheese
Adjective
  • Since it was first developed as New York City’s own miniature seaside resort town in the 1800s, Coney Island has been the place for city dwellers and tourists to catch a breath of salty air and a few hours of kitschy entertainment.
    — Anna Hezel, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 July 2026
  • The lobby’s retro Sweet N’ Glow Salon’s color scheme is as pink as a packet of Sweet N’ Low sugar substitute, complete with beehive hair dryers, vintage magazines, and a kitschy wig collection.
    — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of kitschy
Noun
  • These satellites, frequently fitted with solar panels spanning 100 feet (30 meters) or more, can suffer substantial damage from a collision with the tiniest piece of junk.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 13 July 2026
  • The BlackRock Muniyield Quality (MQY) yields 6%, paid monthly—slightly below what junk ETFs are offering.
    — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of junk
Adjective
  • If a Piña Colada is a Hawaiian shirt, garish and lurid, then the Coco de Agua is a white linen suit—still rum, lime, and coconut, but clean and fitted.
    — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 27 June 2026
  • And yes, the bottles are kind of garish, but don’t judge a fragrance based on its packaging!
    — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 24 June 2026
Definition of garish
Noun
  • Only construction waste will be accepted at the landfill such as, brush and rubbish, concrete, brick, rock, wood, paper, plastics, cardboard and roofing shingles and tiles.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
  • So where does the rubbish come from?
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 June 2026
Definition of rubbish
Adjective
  • The sales numbers at both stores paled in comparison to the gaudy numbers at local food and drink establishments.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • The Saudi Suite A wedding gift from Crown Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia, the Burmese sapphire and diamond Saudi Suite consisted of a necklace, pendants, a ring, a bracelet, earrings, and a rather gaudy watch.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026
Definition of gaudy
Noun
  • Attorneys for the owners of the landfill, which stopped accepting trash last year, claimed this spring in the litigation that the lawsuits may be tainted by fraud.
    — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • The concrete bleachers around the basketball court was teeming with trash, plastic cups, and bottles of alcohol.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026
Definition of trash
Adjective
  • So graceful and powerful, without feeling tawdry.
    — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 22 June 2026
  • Chicago stories, books about music or celebrities, history lessons, or tawdry, trashy novels that are secretly good?
    — Kayla Samoy, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
Definition of tawdry

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Cite this Entry

“Kitsch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kitsch. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kitsch

Nglish: Translation of kitsch for Spanish Speakers

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