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
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2
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
a tacky old couch that needed new upholstery
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as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact
don't touch the walls while the fresh paint is still tacky
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tacky
Cory Smith, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024
Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl, then increase the speed to medium-high and continue mixing until a slightly tacky, soft, springy dough forms, about 5 minutes.
—Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 16 Dec. 2024
While most glosses eventually dry down to become sticky or tacky, that doesn’t happen with this formula.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 26 Dec. 2024
This squishy, reusable, doughnut-sized ring made of silicone has a super tacky surface that grabs fur while tumbling around with clothes and pet bedding in your washer and dryer, then releases it into drains and vents.
—Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tacky 
Adjective
Its easy slip-on design is paired with a tacky Vibram outsole offering traction that reminded us of Topo’s award-winning trail shoes.
—Cory Smith, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024
Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl, then increase the speed to medium-high and continue mixing until a slightly tacky, soft, springy dough forms, about 5 minutes.
—Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 16 Dec. 2024
While most glosses eventually dry down to become sticky or tacky, that doesn’t happen with this formula.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 26 Dec. 2024
This squishy, reusable, doughnut-sized ring made of silicone has a super tacky surface that grabs fur while tumbling around with clothes and pet bedding in your washer and dryer, then releases it into drains and vents.
—Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tacky
Thesaurus Entries Near tacky
Cite this Entry
“Tacky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tacky. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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