TACKY Synonyms: 173 Similar and Opposite Words

tacky 1 of 2

adjective (1)

Definition of tacky

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Interestingly, while many assume these fruits are dried, the tacky texture they’re known for is actually their fresh state. — Christina Manian, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026 Both my wife and I always considered artificial flowers tacky and not appropriate for cemeteries, even though lots of people decorate gravesites with them. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 Its droplets contain proteins, water, salts and small molecules that help the adhesive remain soft and tacky. — Aliasger K. Salem, The Conversation, 4 Aug. 2026 Dough should be very smooth and slightly tacky with a soft, buoyant texture. — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tacky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tacky

Adjective

Justice Department attorneys have argued that a restraining order would be inappropriate and that the legal challenge was premature, as federal agencies had yet to issue public guidance on how the president's directive would be implemented.

— Kristina Cooke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
The morality police, which are often accused of extreme policies, recently announced a statewide ban in Sokoto on the use of DJs at events, as well as inappropriate haircuts, extravagant bridal gifts and playing music on public transport.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

This year alone, the Kansas City Fire Department has put out 24 fires in the vacant, dilapidated complex.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
Velasco says corruption and low oil prices in the early 2000s contributed to the dilapidated state of Venezuela's facilities.

— Willa Rubin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of dilapidated

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

And with oil prices showing no sign of returning to pre-Iran war levels this year, pressure is increasing on the Fed to combat that sticky inflation by raising interest rates at its next policy-setting meeting in September.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
The non-sticky finish adds a subtle shine, and nourishing ingredients like mango seed oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid keep lips feeling smooth and hydrated.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sticky

Adjective

Guy acknowledges, though, that this could lead to the level of chaos depicted in a memorable 2009 episode of The Office, where staff show up in an array of unsuitable outfits.

— Chloe Veltman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
That could allow geothermal projects to operate in locations that have traditionally been considered unsuitable for geothermal development.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsuitable

Browse Nearby Words

tack (up)

tacky

tact

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“Tacky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tacky. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tacky

adjective (1)

adjective (2)

Example Sentences

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