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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
a tacky old couch that needed new upholstery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tacky
Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2025
The texture here is like a traditional cream; not overly rich, nor notably silky or tacky.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for tacky
Adjective
Such catastrophic malfunctions aside, most of the time conifer resin slops over the gash and remains tacky for days afterward.
—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2025
The texture here is like a traditional cream; not overly rich, nor notably silky or tacky.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for tacky
Cite this Entry
“Tacky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tacky. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share