sticky

adjective

ˈsti-kē How to pronounce sticky (audio)
Definition of stickynext
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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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

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 sticky Pork lacquered with a sweet, sticky glaze overflowed from the center of the pillowy bun. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 To save her hobby and help other bakers, she and friend, cofounder, and fellow sourdough enthusiast Alexis Dalinka set out to solve the sticky problem of cleaning dough and sourdough starter off of surfaces and tools. — Nina Elder, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 The spike in core CPI shows price pressures are broadening into other categories beyond energy, experts noted, a sign inflation remains sticky. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 With inflation remaining sticky, the central bank may need to raise rates higher and keep them there for longer in 2027, said Christopher Rupkey, chief economist at Fwdbonds. — Michelle Fox,sean Conlon,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sticky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sticky
  1. adhesive
  2. humid
  3. difficult
  4. sentimental
  5. damp
  6. tough
  7. sloppy
  8. sensitive
Adjective
  • The sensor has a 90-degree horizontal and 50-degree vertical field of view and is powered by a single CR123A battery, which is included along with adhesive mounting pads and a user guide.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
  • For phones without MagSafe, a magnetic adhesive ring comes in the box.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of adhesive
Adjective
  • Despite the warmer temperatures, moisture levels will remain relatively limited, so conditions should not feel excessively humid.
    — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The further a bean travels through humid links in the chain, the more opportunities for growth.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of humid
Adjective
  • Jarman, who came in as the defending champion on the event, put together a more difficult routine but was nicked by judges for his execution.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • This is the last remaining game on the schedule that should be very difficult.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Amid all the festivities, the rapper also offered a sentimental toast.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the audience will wonder if the sentimental pummeling will ever end.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of sentimental
Adjective
  • Next, take your damp sponge and, using the larger, rounded end, pick up the foundation from the back of your hand and tap the product into the skin.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026
  • If the soil feels damp or the meter shows adequate moisture, check back in a couple of days.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of damp
Adjective
  • Winning means making much tougher decisions about what to put on the floor.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Flournoy made some tough grabs downfield, and Lamb punctuated the night with two touchdown grabs.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • Utah's most successful drive ended at the halftime break when Dillon Curtis missed a 34-yard field goalie to a sloppy snap-and-hold.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • And the need to blend all the sound together right before the ear canal can make the more complex instrumentation sound more sloppy than precise.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of sloppy
Adjective
  • Some highly sensitive issues include relations with the European Union and Russia, but the primary focus will be dealing with corruption.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • There may be time-sensitive observations or decisions that need to be made before any instruction could arrive.
    — Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sensitive

Phrases Containing sticky

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stickups
sticky
sticky wicket
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Cite this Entry

“Sticky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sticky. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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