1
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
shabby wallpaper that was peeling from the walls
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tattered
worn or torn into or as if into rags
shabby, stained clothes that are barely better than rags
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shabby
The other side of scrimmage was not too shabby, either, in holding seven opponents to 14 or fewer points.
—
Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
As Chalamet’s pal Adam Sandler might say, not too shabby.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 22 Jan. 2026
The softened linen ruffle skirt is a standout for its beautiful drape, unique shade, and its thoughtful pleat keeps it more Provençal than shabby chic.
—Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2026
Scott Derrickson's sequel to the 2021 Blumhouse horror hit earned a not-too-shabby $132 million following its October 2025 release, and is now streaming on Peacock.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shabby
Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
As Chalamet’s pal Adam Sandler might say, not too shabby.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 22 Jan. 2026
The softened linen ruffle skirt is a standout for its beautiful drape, unique shade, and its thoughtful pleat keeps it more Provençal than shabby chic.
—Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2026
Scott Derrickson's sequel to the 2021 Blumhouse horror hit earned a not-too-shabby $132 million following its October 2025 release, and is now streaming on Peacock.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shabby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shabby
Adjective
-
The project was planned to clear the area of outdated and dilapidated buildings, to attract new businesses and promote economic revitalization.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The trip could also see China give the go-ahead for the UK to rebuild its dilapidated embassy in Beijing.—
Brendan Murray,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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If your denim is tattered and worn beyond repair, don't worry.—
Heather Bien,
Martha Stewart,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Worn Washcloths or Towels Go through all your linens in the bathroom, and discard any that are old, stained, tattered, or smell weird.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The department issued heavy fines and ultimately shuttered a neglected building in Denver’s uptown neighborhood last year that was owned by CBZ Management.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
8 Jan. 2026
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The narrative highlights the growing, unseen populations of lonely and neglected individuals, shedding light on a vital but often ignored aspect of public care.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
At 836,000 square miles, Greenland is nearly 80 percent ice, a frozen leaf dangling in the far North Atlantic with dramatic, ragged edges, impossibly sheer cliffs that dwarf even El Capitan, and a massive ice sheet as thick as 11,000 feet.—
Tim Neville,
Outside,
23 Jan. 2026
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Her breath was becoming more ragged.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, her glam was soft and even-toned, bolstered only by a sharp baby wing of black liner, highlight on her nose and a faded taupe hue on her lips.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Each of the 22 pages, about the size of those in a typical hardcover book, is inscribed on both sides with easily visible black and faded-brown words written by the monks.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shabby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shabby. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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