1
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
shabby wallpaper that was peeling from the walls
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tattered
worn or torn into or as if into rags
shabby, stained clothes that are barely better than rags
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shabby
Bo Horvat, Barzal, Pageau and Casey Cizikas down the middle isn’t shabby; if Ritchie can force his way into the conversation within a year or two, even less so.
—
Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
The huis close follows the clients and bar staff of a shabby cafe outside Paris in the early hours of the morning, who enter into a deadly pact when an elderly regular comes in and wins €294 million in the lottery.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025
The secret is to be intentional about your plans, so that the holiday feels luxurious and cozy versus shabby and lonely.
—Grace McCarty, SELF, 28 Dec. 2024
If Serena van der Woodsen had to end up with someone other than Dan Humphrey, Ryan Reynolds isn't too shabby a choice.
—Rachel Desantis, EW.com, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shabby
Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
The huis close follows the clients and bar staff of a shabby cafe outside Paris in the early hours of the morning, who enter into a deadly pact when an elderly regular comes in and wins €294 million in the lottery.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025
The secret is to be intentional about your plans, so that the holiday feels luxurious and cozy versus shabby and lonely.
—Grace McCarty, SELF, 28 Dec. 2024
If Serena van der Woodsen had to end up with someone other than Dan Humphrey, Ryan Reynolds isn't too shabby a choice.
—Rachel Desantis, EW.com, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shabby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shabby
Adjective
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City officials say failing lifeguard towers present two problems: Lifeguards could get injured inside a dilapidated structure, and the public could be at higher risk if lifeguards can’t effectively scan beaches and bays.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2025
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The film follows three characters – a traditional beekeeper, a healer and a priest attempting to save a dilapidated church – and features archival material dating back to the 1930s.—
Lise Pedersen,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The other traditional party, the Liberal Party, has splintered between those who remain loyal to Zelaya and those who led the coup, including Mauricio Villeda, the presidential candidate who leads a tattered vestige of his party.—
Dana Frank,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Nov. 2013
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What if standing up to Trump is the very thing that saves the Liberal Party, and Trudeau’s tattered legacy?—
Talib Visram,
TIME,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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By upcycling a neglected garment, Hirsch hopes to give someone the chance to experience the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating a piece.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Some who have tolerated a static image on a neglected part of their screen may not be as accepting of more distracting ad formats.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Cocker was famous for his ragged, one-of-a-kind covers of other acts’ famous songs, with Joel comparing the late singer to such legendary song interpreters as Frank Sinatra.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
1 Apr. 2025
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Grand Canyon didn’t do enough to punish Maryland for its ragged start.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Notably, a very faded painting of the crucifixion scene with Jesus on the cross was also uncovered, the image of his crown of thorns sticking out from an orange and yellow backdrop.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2025
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Gap High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans These wide-leg jeans are designed in a light blue wash with whiskered and faded details, and flared, bell-like hems.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shabby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shabby. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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