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• out-of-date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

For the handle, squeeze a drop of tacky glue onto each end of a 1-inch length of pipe cleaner and adhere it to one side of the box. —Kimberly Stoney, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025

All that’s missing is a swimming pool, but to add one to a home this high-brow would almost seem tacky. —Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2025

The ball used in the KBO is tackier and the seams are different, the strike zone is much smaller and the ballparks tend to be very hitter friendly. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025

In recent years, his chairmanship has fanned the flames of conflict between himself and downtown residents who say Carollo has used his power in the agency like a cudgel to clutter precious greenspace with tacky and unnecessary installations. —Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025