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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The mochi itself is soft and plush (never stale or tacky), and the ice cream is lusciously dense and creamy. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 June 2026 White The top tacky countertop color is a surprising one, because it's often viewed as a safe neutral choice. — The Spruce, 30 June 2026 Each is a chewy, dark-brown puck, slightly tacky to the touch. — Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Animal Print Overload Animal print is one of those decor items that draws a fine line between trendy and tacky. — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 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
  • But does that in itself tell us that Bellingham’s comments were somehow wrong or inappropriate?
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The archdiocese also continues to investigate former Bishop Miege President Phil Baniewicz, who was ousted last August after allegations surfaced about inappropriate behavior with a minor.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • Back at the dilapidated family home, Edgar grows even surlier, lashing into gentle-natured Joe for being an under-achiever compared to his brother and causing Thya to become apprehensive about Ed’s proximity to sharp objects.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
  • After Will’s funeral, Alice retreats to her in-laws’ remote, dilapidated house, where, through the Necronomicon, a demonic spirit is unleashed and begins to turn the family members into Deadites.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of dilapidated
Adjective
  • Stelo costs $99 a month for two 15-day sensors, along with applicators and adhesive patches to help keep the device in place.
    — Lauren Chan, STAT, 8 July 2026
  • The thin adhesive material can be applied directly to existing windows to reduce heat gain, block ultraviolet (UV) rays, and improve indoor comfort.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026
Definition of adhesive
Adjective
  • Warm up Wednesday nights with a bowl of this cheesy, creamy soup.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
  • At its cheesy core, Slice House is a dream destination for pizza junkies.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2026
Definition of cheesy
Adjective
  • Changing their environment is more reliable and more neglected.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Cinematographer Guillermo Garza shoots neglected settings like fine art, embracing the grime.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of neglected
Adjective
  • What left me feeling more sticky-fingered were the gorgeous (and authentic) Asian artifacts that were placed throughout the room.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
  • To overcome the water’s sticky surface tension, the engineers discovered the robot must approach the surface at a steep 70-degree pitch.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026
Definition of sticky
Adjective
  • Planting fruit trees in unsuitable spots may not just produce a poor harvest but could spell disaster for the tree.
    — Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
  • Together, these cues may have signaled that conditions were becoming unsuitable.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 8 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tacky

Nglish: Translation of tacky for Spanish Speakers

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