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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shabby
All four options have free trials, but even after the trials end, their monthly prices aren’t too shabby.
—
Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026
The finish wasn’t too shabby, either.
—Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Soon, Callaghan — alongside Nic Mosher and Evan Gilbert-Katz — was traversing the country in a shabby RV, documenting the surreal, perturbing and often hilarious fringes of American culture.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
The company says the upgrade is notably better at software engineering than previous models—and those were already not too shabby—with particular gains on the most difficult tasks.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shabby
Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026
The finish wasn’t too shabby, either.
—Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Soon, Callaghan — alongside Nic Mosher and Evan Gilbert-Katz — was traversing the country in a shabby RV, documenting the surreal, perturbing and often hilarious fringes of American culture.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
The company says the upgrade is notably better at software engineering than previous models—and those were already not too shabby—with particular gains on the most difficult tasks.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shabby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shabby
Adjective
-
The Urban Institute detailed in 2024 how declining government funding for public spaces had left many dilapidated and underutilized, or privatized and no longer free.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
26 May 2026
-
Despite the dilapidated state, the couple fell in love with its ancient olive trees, a creek and a network of aqueducts winding through the fields.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
On May 16 came a bright pink ballgown complete with an oversized bow and a tattered hoop skirt.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
24 May 2026
-
Trump then asks how Epstein, in tattered, bloody clothes and a chain around his neck, is enjoying heaven.—
William Vaillancourt,
Rolling Stone,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Underdog startups and neglected divisions tell similar stories.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2026
-
Cinematographer Guillermo Garza shoots neglected settings like fine art, embracing the grime.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Kristen Stewart has sported every short hairstyle worth mentioning, but this impossibly ragged, exaggerated mullet feels like the correct choice for a grunge girl summer.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
27 May 2026
-
Reflecting on these piercing paradoxes, Dusabejambo’s narrative (co-written with Delphine Agut) cannot but be shaped by them; there are no simple resolutions for a reality defined by ruptures and ragged edges.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Nylon imitated the look of faded blue jeans and fabrics with worn, aged and artisanal details were the product of sustainable and efficient technologies.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
-
When deadheading, cut where the blossom's stem joins the rest of the plant—in other words, remove not only the faded flower, but the tiny stem attached to it as well.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shabby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shabby. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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