Synonyms of tacky

tacky 1 of 2

adjective (1)

1

as in inappropriate

marked by an obvious lack of style or good taste

it was tacky to wear sneakers to the wedding

tacky plastic flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inappropriate
• cheesy
• unsuitable
• trashy
• tasteless
• incorrect
• unfashionable
• wrong
• dowdy
• inelegant
• cheap
• loud
• ticky-tacky
• grotesque
• unstylish
• styleless
• unseemly
• unbecoming
• outmoded
• tawdry
• out-of-date
• coarse
• gaudy
• garish
• crude
• kitschy
• vulgar
• common
• graceless
• shoddy
• showy
• glitzy
• ostentatious
• flashy
• low-grade
• sleazy
• unrefined
• passé
• inferior
• kitsch
• second-rate
• lousy
• splashy
• junky
• overdone

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• elegant
• classy
• appropriate
• tasteful
• sophisticated
• fine
• fashionable
• posh
• stylish
• classic
• chic
• exquisite
• suitable
• proper
• smart
• right
• correct
• fitting
• becoming
• simple
• seemly
• ritzy
• conservative
• neat
• modern
• quiet
• handsome
• understated
• restrained
• genteel
• contemporary
• refined
• up-to-date
• in
• happening
• modish
• swank
• à la mode

2

as in dilapidated

showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect

a tacky old couch that needed new upholstery

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dilapidated
• neglected
• shabby
• miserable
• tatty
• dumpy
• desolate
• scruffy
• seedy
• tired
• tattered
• sleazy
• scrubby
• grungy
• mangy
• abandoned
• ratty
• ragged
• threadbare
• gone to seed
• timeworn
• ruined
• tumbledown
• down-at-the-heels
• beat-up
• broken
• mean
• run-down
• dog-eared
• moth-eaten
• bombed-out
• tatterdemalion
• unkept
• dingy
• damaged
• decrepit
• deteriorated
• forlorn
• wrecked
• destroyed
• ramshackle
• rickety
• decaying
• deteriorating
• godforsaken
• bedraggled
• worn-out
• broken-down
• injured
• hurt
• rackety
• impaired
• harmed
• rattletrap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• new
• fresh
• brand-new
• maintained
• kept-up
• reconstructed
• spiffy
• patched
• smart
• mended
• rebuilt
• cared-for
• spruce

tacky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

ˈta-kē 

as in adhesive

tending to adhere to objects upon contact

don't touch the walls while the fresh paint is still tacky

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adhesive
• sticky
• gummy
• adherent
• glutinous
• tenacious
• gluey
• viscous
• clingy
• viscid
• gelatinous
• syrupy
• gooey
• ropy
• pitchy
• tarry

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonviscous
• nonadhesive

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tacky

Adjective

The formula isn’t sticky or tacky. —Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026

He would’ve been mortified to see that kind of tacky scandal on what was a family show. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026

However, designers agree that in this traditional style, sticking to authentic, vintage pieces is key to creating a space that feels sophisticated and curated rather than tacky and clichéd. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2026

Pour an inch or so of tacky glue into a paper cup. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026