Synonyms of tacky

tacky 1 of 2

adjective (1)

1

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

• inappropriate
• cheesy
• unsuitable
• trashy
• tasteless
• incorrect
• unfashionable
• wrong
• dowdy
• inelegant
• cheap
• unstylish
• loud
• ticky-tacky
• ticky-tack
• styleless
• unseemly
• grotesque
• unbecoming
• outmoded
• tawdry
• out-of-date
• coarse
• gaudy
• garish
• kitschy
• crude
• vulgar
• common
• graceless
• shoddy
• showy
• glitzy
• kitsch
• ostentatious
• flashy
• passé
• sleazy
• low-grade
• unrefined
• junky
• inferior
• second-rate
• lousy
• splashy
• overdone

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• elegant
• classy
• tasteful
• appropriate
• sophisticated
• fine
• fashionable
• posh
• stylish
• chic
• classic
• exquisite
• suitable
• ritzy
• smart
• proper
• right
• correct
• fitting
• becoming
• simple
• seemly
• conservative
• neat
• quiet
• modern
• handsome
• understated
• restrained
• genteel
• contemporary
• refined
• up-to-date
• swanky
• swank
• in
• happening
• modish
• a la mode
• à la mode

2

as in dilapidated

showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect

a tacky old couch that needed new upholstery

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dilapidated
• neglected
• shabby
• miserable
• tatty
• dumpy
• desolate
• scruffy
• tired
• seedy
• tattered
• sleazy
• scrubby
• abandoned
• grungy
• mangy
• ratty
• ragged
• threadbare
• ruined
• gone to seed
• down-at-heel
• timeworn
• tumbledown
• down-at-the-heel
• broken
• down-at-the-heels
• mean
• beat-up
• run-down
• down-at-heels
• dog-eared
• moth-eaten
• damaged
• bombed-out
• tatterdemalion
• unkept
• dingy
• decrepit
• deteriorated
• wrecked
• forlorn
• destroyed
• deteriorating
• ramshackle
• decaying
• rickety
• godforsaken
• bedraggled
• worn-out
• broken-down
• injured
• hurt
• rackety
• impaired
• harmed
• rattletrap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• new
• fresh
• brand-new
• maintained
• kept-up
• reconstructed
• spiffy
• patched
• smart
• mended
• rebuilt
• cared-for
• spruce

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

• adhesive
• sticky
• gummy
• gluey
• adherent
• glutinous
• clingy
• tenacious
• viscous
• viscid
• syrupy
• gelatinous
• gooey
• ropey
• ropy
• pitchy
• tarry

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonviscous
• nonadhesive

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tacky

Adjective

Prada card wallet Some designer logos and labels are loud and often seem tacky as opposed to luxurious. —Gabriele Regalbuto, Fox News, 7 Dec. 2024

Most polishes leave behind a tacky residue that builds up over time and attracts dust. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025

Primetime fundraisers can be tacky, or at least not the best TV. —Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025

The interiors are sophisticated and elegant without an ounce of tacky, in-your-face tropical aesthetic of pastels and seashells. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 13 Dec. 2024