1
as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact
both sides of the tape are sticky, making it a little tricky to work with
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in humid
containing or characterized by an uncomfortable amount of moisture
a warm sticky day when all we wanted to do was sit somewhere with air-conditioning
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3
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
an especially sticky conversation about money matters
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4
as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
sticky love scenes that will bore cynics to death
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sticky
Heavy crude is thick and sticky.
—
Camila Domonoske, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
So, consider this your call to leave your tear-out page notepads and sticky-notes in the last year.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026
New trade deals are still being struck even as tariffs grab headlines, and supply chains remain sticky.
—Ian Bremmer, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
Plaque is the sticky film of germs that can cause cavities and make your breath smell bad.
—Linda Bartoshuk, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sticky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sticky
Adjective
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The adhesive residue can cause skipping.—
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Posts on Reddit and Facebook show some users needing to replace dozens of devices a year due to monitor malfunctions, adhesive issues with the sensors and accuracy problems.—
Adjective
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The interaction with more humid air already in place will trigger rain and thunderstorms across West and North Texas.—
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The trade deadline is a month away, but the rumors are swirling like gnats on a humid day.—
Adjective
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Jens generally chooses his words carefully, and is, what’s more, particularly reticent just after finishing a long and difficult winter delivery trip; what’s a person supposed to do with words in a blizzard anyway, up on a stormy heath and all directions lost?—
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In his first start in the wake of Beau Pribula’s significant injury, Zollers walked into a difficult situation, and his stat line reflected it.—
Adjective
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That verisimilitude functioned as a solvent, lending credibility and urgency to elements of the show that might otherwise register as pure cheese; the medical realism and sentimental flourishes were mutually reinforcing.—
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Kitsch without meaning is just clutter, so take your time building a look that feels sentimental and nostalgic to really nail the style.—
Adjective
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There’s also a section to store makeup brushes, plus several mesh pockets for lipsticks and smaller items, and a separate waterproof pocket for damp items.—
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Between the post-holiday doldrums, dry January and the cold, damp weather, the beginning of the new year can often feel like a real drag.—
Adjective
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This leads to families having to make tough decisions, said Cindy Kincaid, family caregiver program manager at Centralina Regional Council.—
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She's been amazing, a sort of brutal support, tough lover, very educational.—
Adjective
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The soft knit fabric drapes just right, giving that relaxed vibe without looking sloppy.—
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Practice had been a bit a sloppy at times, but San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher had a wide smile anyway Thursday afternoon.—
Adjective
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The commission said the report overlooks other time-sensitive cases that don't require intake appointments.—
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Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.—
Cite this Entry
“Sticky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sticky. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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