racy

10 synonyms and 3 antonyms for racy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adjective — Slightly shocking or sexually suggestive.

Synonyms

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

blue rich

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

naughty robust lively juicy spicy

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

gamy risque gamey

Slightly shocking or sexually suggestive.

“The novel's racy scenes caused a stir when it was first published.”

gamy risque naughty blue robust gamey lively juicy rich spicy

Opposites

modest

Lively, sharp, and full of spirited energy or character.

“The reviewer praised the book's racy, fast-paced style.”

Opposites

insipid dull

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

racy novel racy joke racy outfit

From "race" in an old sense meaning a distinctive, characteristic flavor (as of a wine), plus the adjective-forming suffix "-y".

Full origin of racy →

blue rich modest robust dull lively naughty spicy juicy insipid