sleazy

adjective

slea·​zy ˈslē-zē How to pronounce sleazy (audio)
also ˈslā-
sleazier; sleaziest
Synonyms of sleazy
1
a
: lacking firmness of texture : flimsy
b
: carelessly made of inferior materials : shoddy
2
a
: marked by low character or quality
sleazy tabloids
b
: squalid, dilapidated
sleazy bars
sleazily
ˈslē-zə-lē How to pronounce sleazy (audio)
also ˈslā-
adverb
sleaziness
ˈslē-zē-nəs How to pronounce sleazy (audio)
also ˈslā-
noun

Synonyms of sleazy

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Examples of sleazy in a Sentence

a dancer in a sleazy outfit a sleazy lothario who is always on the make
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
La Nueva Violencia is a smirking, libidinous play for the dance floor, picking up where the distorted guitars of the last record left off and channeling each new riff into sleazy post-punk and electroclash that stick to the body like sweaty velvet. — Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026 Terry is a successful and sleazy Hollywood producer whose sexuality is a bit of an open secret, as is his predilection for younger men. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026 The only free Bowden is Anna, who could easily be charged for directing her sleazy father to plant drugs at Cady’s place. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 July 2026 Jason Maddy disappears into multiple roles including the sleazy diner owner, the jolly Napa depot manager who pre-reads everyone’s mail and the wise doctor who treats Tony after a car accident. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sleazy

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleazy was circa 1645

Rhymes for sleazy

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Browse Nearby Words

sleazoid
sleazy
sled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sleazy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleazy. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sleazy

adjective
slea·​zy ˈslē-zē How to pronounce sleazy (audio)
also ˈslā-
sleazier; sleaziest
1
: not firm in texture : flimsy
2
: made carelessly of poor material : shoddy
sleazily
-zə-lē How to pronounce sleazy (audio)
adverb
sleaziness
-zē-nəs How to pronounce sleazy (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sleazy

Nglish: Translation of sleazy for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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