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Definitions

sleazy

[slee-zee, sley-zee] / ˈsli zi, ˈsleɪ zi /
ADJECTIVE
disreputable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
seedy sordid tacky trashy
WEAK
base broken-down cheap common dilapidated flimsy limp low mean paltry poor run down shabby shoddy squalid unsubstantial
Antonyms
WEAK
fine good nice reputable respectable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A judge bounces the notorious plaintiffs firm from the J&J trial for sleazy behavior.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Rather than risk a military confrontation, they forced American troops to play the role of the sleazy kidnapper sneaking in windows.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2026

“There might be some hangover from that. For someone who thinks his behavior was sleazy, they might not consider it a big deal because he calmed them during the pandemic.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

One of the great screen tough guys, he effortlessly switched to comedy in Young Frankenstein and played the sleazy supervillain Lex Luthor in Superman and Superman II.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2025

I thought again about how sleazy Myers had been during the trial.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson