Definitions

tacky

[tak-ee] / ˈtæk i /

ADJECTIVE

cheap, tasteless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dingy faded gaudy messy run down seedy shabby sleazy threadbare vulgar

WEAK

broken-down crude dilapidated dowdy down-at-heel frumpy inelegant mangy nasty out-of-date outmoded poky ratty shoddy sloppy slovenly stodgy unbecoming unkempt unstylish unsuitable untidy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

nice refined respectable

WEAK

classy expensive tasteful

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.

The 22-year-old from Fife accepts that sometimes black and white shoots can feel "pretentious and tacky", but from watching the trailer, Spider-Noir feels different.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Displays of it, particularly in architecture or public art, are often perceived as tacky, kitschy or, heaven forbid, nouveau riche.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

As for the tchotchkes, they ran the gamut from tacky souvenir to sentimental heirloom.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

It was spectacularly tested at the hall’s 10th anniversary, but with tacky prerecorded video and crummy amplification.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

I think I heard Britt-Marie mutter something about being “appalled by the tacky linoleum they used to call flooring.”

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone

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