1
as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact
both sides of the tape are sticky, making it a little tricky to work with
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in humid
containing or characterized by an uncomfortable amount of moisture
a warm sticky day when all we wanted to do was sit somewhere with air-conditioning
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3
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
an especially sticky conversation about money matters
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4
as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
sticky love scenes that will bore cynics to death
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sticky
Why are my kitchen cabinets sticky after cleaning?
—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
20 June 2026
It’s designed with a square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, convenient side pockets, and a breezy silhouette that won’t cling to you in the sticky heat.
—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
If discovering tiny insect casings or sticky residue, this often indicates those insects with piercing and sucking mouthparts that slowly siphon sap from plants, depleting their ability to feed themselves through photosynthesis.
—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
Look for tiny, white, and sticky eggs.
—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sticky
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
20 June 2026
It’s designed with a square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, convenient side pockets, and a breezy silhouette that won’t cling to you in the sticky heat.
—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
If discovering tiny insect casings or sticky residue, this often indicates those insects with piercing and sucking mouthparts that slowly siphon sap from plants, depleting their ability to feed themselves through photosynthesis.
—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
Look for tiny, white, and sticky eggs.
—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sticky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sticky
Adjective
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The adhesive trap under a prep table with a slicer wasn’t cleared and contained five dead roaches.
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Removing stubborn stains like adhesive residue takes persistence, especially if the remnant is aged.
Adjective
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The specially emulsified formula keeps the ceramides evenly dispersed (no shaking required), while the lightweight mist feels especially refreshing on hot, humid summer days.
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The breathable fabric is ideal for hot, humid days whether stateside or abroad.
Adjective
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Some organizers say America's complicated and at times difficult history is being glossed over by fireworks and flag-waving ‒ or that it's being politicized by an administration that has actively worked to advance its version of history.
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The move gives Marte another chance to work his way back to the major leagues after a difficult stretch that included a brief stop with the Cincinnati Reds organization earlier this year before a cut.
Adjective
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Throughout the night, sentimental videos from different chapters of Jackson's career played on the screens by the stage, along with messages from stars not in attendance like country singers Keith Urban, Zac Brown and Kenny Chesney as well as NASCAR drivers Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
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The series combines potty-mouthed put-downs with more sentimental story lines.
Adjective
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Oprah selected it for her book club; at her compound in Montecito, Whitehead was so nervous that her staff insisted on blow-drying the damp patches of his dress shirt before they were introduced.
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If the dispensers are not removable, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any residue, then apply white vinegar to the dispensers to remove mold and eliminate odors.
Adjective
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Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
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These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
Adjective
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Winning like a Feeney Due to some sloppy defensive errors from the silver-haired infield, the Feeneys allowed more runs in the top of the seventh.
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The Walpole, Massachusetts native, making his second career start at Fenway Park in front of family and friends, surrendered a two-run, go-ahead homer to ex-Yankees prospect Caleb Durbin in the fifth inning of what was a sloppy, 6-3, loss for the Bombers.
Adjective
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According to the text of the current agreement, the most sensitive nuclear issues are not yet agreed to on paper.
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Just last month, an attack on Canvas, a software used in schools and colleges, put thousands of students at risk by exposing sensitive information.
Cite this Entry
“Sticky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sticky. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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