PEAKY Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

peaky

adjective

ˈpē-kē

Definition of peaky

as in sick

temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body her mother announced that she still looked peaky, and felt her forehead for a fever

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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 peaky The Fenomeno’s widened and lengthened body—when compared to the Revuelto—has been designed in a very graphical way, with fewer lines, broad shoulders and surfaces, a long tail, and a peaky front. — Brett Berk, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2025 The curveball in all this is Verstappen, whose Red Bull future has become a significant talking point once again amid the team’s difficulties with a peaky car that will surely test his championship defense. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 In reality, though, because the TCL’s tone mapping is not as effective as that of the Samsung TV, the TCL’s brightness can cause clipping and leave the image looking ‘peaky’ and unbalanced. — John Archer, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 Local surf guides will take wave riders to fun, peaky beach breaks or barreling reefs. — Noah Lederman, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024 The powerband was peaky, with the turbos coming alive above 2500 rpm, accompanied by a distinct whistle. — Brett Berk, Car and Driver, 4 Sep. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaky

Adjective

The goats’ dire situation first came to light when a former dairy employee raised concerns after witnessing emaciated and sick animals on the property, the former employee told the Idaho Statesman last year.

— Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026
What’s interesting is that Conan Doyle got sick of writing Sherlock Holmes.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of sick

Adjective

For however poorly things are going — and the bad tone set by the starters has leaked into some defensive lapses and some pressing at the plate — the Padres got themselves into a really favorable position before this.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
This involves having a poorly or non-functioning colon and is not usually reversible.

— Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025

Definition of poorly

Adjective

Bajaria may also have hit thin ice with Sarandos after the streamer won just 16 Primetime Emmy Awards this year — its worst showing since 2016 and down from 30 in 2025.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
The size of the boat, the distance from the tow boat's berth and how bad the boat is stuck will all factor into the final invoice.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of bad

Adjective

His latest feature film — the American’s first in 14 years — stars Pascal as Alex Serian, a gifted cellist who returns to Los Angeles after 20 years away to care for his ill mother.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Show reps did not specify who was ill or the nature of the illness.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of ill

Adjective

Consequently, even if a down cycle occurs, it is not expected to show the same sharp decline seen in the past.

— Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Among the 138 teams in FBS, TCU’s offense ranks 93rd in third down conversions, 110th in rushing, and tied for 103rd in first downs.

— Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of down

Browse Nearby Words

peaks

peaky

peal

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“Peaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaky. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of peaky

adjective

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