JERKY Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

jerky

adjective

ˈjər-kē

Definition of jerky

as in rough

marked by a series of sharp quick motions made jerky progress walking with the new crutches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stupid

showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment he's acting jerky just to get people's attention

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 jerky And when the driver knows how to accelerate, lane-change and brake smoothly, without any jerky movements or pitching—like our driver, then the transfer is that much more pleasant. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2026 Charlie, Rachel and Mike’s confessions range between youthfully jerky to downright repugnant. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 The jerky company Slim Jim has commented on many Fruit Love Island videos. — Kat Tenbarge, Wired News, 25 Mar. 2026 Mid-level roles included a deli/food service associate responsible for preparing Buc-ee's signature barbecue, baked goods, jerky, fudge and sandwiches, and a store bookkeeper managing daily accounting and cash reconciliation. — Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jerky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jerky

Adjective

While the exact timing and intensity of the impacts are still uncertain and will ultimately depend on how close Lala tracks to the Hawaiian islands, heavy rain, strong winds and rough surf impacts are likely this weekend.

— Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
More recently, a rolling cast of content creators has taken to making day trips to Blackpool’s roughest wards to capitalize on the environs of its impoverished communities.

— George Francis Lee, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of rough

Adjective

The Dodge Durango Hellcat is the most accessible way to go stupid-fast in a three-row family car thanks to the Escalade V‘s high price tag.

— Byron Hurd, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
Proudly stupid and surprisingly sweet, Dylan Meyer’s stoner buddy comedy is a tribute to friendship best enjoyed with your own ride-or-die by your side — joints optional.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of stupid

Adjective

Bohm has endured an uneven campaign, showcasing both encouraging offense and periods of struggle, raising concerns about his viability in a contract year.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Fans of celebrity bald eagle Jackie are again grappling with troubling news about her health, the latest downturn in an uneven recovery since her rescue near Big Bear Lake last month.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of uneven

Adjective

But to make some generalization that all career women are psychotic because Glenn Close happened to be psychotic at the end of that movie is just silly.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Residents riding on two wheels in Overland Park might see some new silly signs along the city’s most popular paths and trails.

— Taylor O'Connor August 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of silly

Adjective

However, those negotiations remain quite choppy; plus, plenty of inflationary risks are in the pike as higher oil and fertilizer prices work their way through the economy in the coming months.

— Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
The money taps remain turned on full-blast even in the face of a choppy stock market and persistent fears over whether AI stocks are in a bubble.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of choppy

Adjective

All of this is to say that where liabilities are involved, don't be penny wise and pound foolish.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
As some of us will inevitably succumb to its grand and growing illusion, the rest may get the opportunity to find the key to understanding how so many others could be fooled and so foolish.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of foolish

Adjective

And their friendship, a folie à deux spiral of insane ideas powered by ungodly quantities of pot, becomes akin to a superpower.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
These mega facilities are popping up everywhere which means lots of people are spending insane money instead of pulling out the hose and bucket.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of insane

Adjective

There was also a stream of characters who visited the island, from a pop group to a movie producer, a mad scientist, and Russian cosmonauts.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026
There are a few pages spent on Deflategate (that made Brady mad), only a few paragraphs devoted to Aaron Hernandez, none on Spygate.

— Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026