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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of tacky
Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024
Refrigerate, uncovered, for up to 12 hours, until the surface of the filet feels dry, not tacky, and has a shiny appearance.
—The View, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024
Warm water and soap solution: Use a solution of warm water and soap to wipe away the tacky residue by adding a couple of soap drops to a spray bottle of water.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2024
Rinse it as well as possible, as any remaining soap will make the hide look slightly matted and leave a slightly stiff or tacky feel.
—Beka Garris, Outdoor Life, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tacky 
Adjective
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
Refrigerate, uncovered, for up to 12 hours, until the surface of the filet feels dry, not tacky, and has a shiny appearance.
—The View, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024
Warm water and soap solution: Use a solution of warm water and soap to wipe away the tacky residue by adding a couple of soap drops to a spray bottle of water.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2024
Rinse it as well as possible, as any remaining soap will make the hide look slightly matted and leave a slightly stiff or tacky feel.
—Beka Garris, Outdoor Life, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tacky
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Cite this Entry
“Tacky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tacky. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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