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

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 So while there’s no such thing as a tacky color per se, even the prettiest hue can fall flat in the wrong circumstance. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026 Dough should be very smooth and slightly tacky with a soft, buoyant texture. — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026 The doll exudes holiday glam in her floor-length, bold-red dress (reading as timeless and not tacky, courtesy of a sweetheart neckline, oversized bow detail, and voluminous skirt). — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tacky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tacky

Adjective

Pat is a little bit like an inappropriate uncle at a family gathering in the 1970s.

— Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Montana did not directly answer questions about the decision to choose BCBS over Allegiance and whether there was inappropriate contact among state officials.

— Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

Instead, city staff could first more narrowly issue an order to repair a dilapidated historic building and then expedite approval for those repairs on the back end, without needing a hearing through the Historic Preservation Commission.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
The zoo, which houses more than 1,600 animals, has become dilapidated over the years.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of dilapidated

Adjective

From sticky tack to adhesive strips, there are plenty of tried-and-true renter-friendly ways to hang your art.

— Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
Glue, Tape, and Other Adhesives Products like glue, tape, adhesive labels, and other items that rely on adhesives can lose their stickiness.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of adhesive

Adjective

But what sparked his idea for the cheesy potato shell was inspiration from his wife’s salads with cheddar cheese crisps as croutons.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026
Columbia House got even huger in the Nineties, with late-night TV ads that came on like the cheesiest sitcom jingle ever.

— Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 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

When channels are created with unsuitable blades, angles, or placement, transplanted hair may grow in an unnatural direction or produce an overly uniform appearance.

— Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Websites often attract unsuitable clients due to ineffective copy, hindering business growth.

— Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 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

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“Tacky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tacky. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tacky

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