tacky 1 of 2

adjective (1)

Definition of tackynext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect a tacky old couch that needed new upholstery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tacky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

ˈta-kē How to pronounce tacky (audio)
as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact don't touch the walls while the fresh paint is still tacky

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tacky
Adjective
From word-art walls to flashy lighting, these details can make an otherwise lovely space feel tacky, say experts. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 12 July 2026 Frank’s set is functional, but a countryside backdrop that appears to be made of plastic looks tacky. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 The tourism board should study how Wain sells a tacky California vacation. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Built in 1958 by contractor Alex Madonna, who had strong opinions and absolutely no architect, this 110-room fever dream in San Luis Obispo, California, has spent nearly 70 years daring you to call it tacky. — Air Mail, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tacky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tacky
  1. inappropriate
  2. dilapidated
  3. adhesive
  4. cheesy
  5. neglected
  6. sticky
  7. unsuitable
  8. trashy
Adjective
  • The siblings-in-law addressed comments from Alli McBee suggesting their relationship had been inappropriate.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Students also need to learn when AI use is inappropriate, when a primary source has to be read directly and when a judgment is too consequential to delegate.
    — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • Officials remain optimistic the project’s kickoff will reinvigorate residents to return to the dilapidated area.
    — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • Its current chapter as a travel venue is helmed by the Greene family, who bought the property in 2000 and began to restore it from a dilapidated state.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
Definition of dilapidated
Adjective
  • Removable adhesive strips should be just fine to use on a cinderblock dorm wall.
    — Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 27 July 2026
  • Once a certain shape is cut all the way around, peel off the backing of the adhesive sheet and place a piece of scrap fabric over the shape.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2026
Definition of adhesive
Adjective
  • Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao, whom Hegseth installed after firing Cao’s predecessor, then weighed in with a Hollywood scriptwriter’s cheesy panache to say the incident debrief was complete.
    — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
  • This slab pie is your summer showstopper, with cheesy pastry, a generous slick of Dijon mayonnaise, and fat slices of heirloom tomatoes peeking out of a lattice top.
    — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 18 July 2026
Definition of cheesy
Adjective
  • Investors and analysts are increasingly looking to other parts of the market, both to find neglected sources of value and to start assuming a defensive posture against a possible downturn.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • Changing their environment is more reliable and more neglected.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of neglected
Adjective
  • Brand New Day isn’t too tangled up in the sticky, intricate web of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but casual viewers could miss some context—here’s what to know before watching.
    — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • His emotions — and that sticky goo in his wrists — are about to burst.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of sticky
Adjective
  • Websites often attract unsuitable clients due to ineffective copy, hindering business growth.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Donating unsuitable items wastes time and resources, so focus on clean, usable pieces.
    — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 28 July 2026
Definition of unsuitable
Adjective
  • Contrary to their label, these cocktails are more than a trashy afterthought; their flavor pairings are as well considered as any other on the menu.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Supergirl often plays like a poor James Gunn impression, full of trashy space bars, needle drops and slow-motion fight scenes spinning around in a circle.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of trashy

Browse Nearby Words

tack (up)
tacky
tact
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tacky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tacky. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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