sketchy
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for sketchy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Incomplete or lacking in detail; only roughly outlined.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use sketchy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sketchy details
sketchy neighborhood
sound sketchy
The "shady/suspicious" sense is informal, common in everyday conversation.
Etymology
From "sketch" plus "-y," originally meaning rough and unfinished like a sketch.
Full origin of sketchy →Frequently asked questions
What does “sketchy” mean?
The word “sketchy” means incomplete or lacking in detail; only roughly outlined. In plain terms, either "not fully worked out" or, in casual speech, "shady and untrustworthy.".
How do you pronounce “sketchy”?
“Sketchy” is pronounced SKEHT-shee (/ˈskɛt͡ʃi/ in IPA).
How do you use “sketchy” in a sentence?
Here is “sketchy” used in a sentence: “The details of the plan were still pretty sketchy.”
What is another word for “sketchy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sketchy” include dicey, dodgy, dubious, seedy and shady.
What part of speech is “sketchy”?
“Sketchy” is an adjective.
Is “sketchy” a common word?
“Sketchy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sketchy” have?
“Sketchy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: incomplete or lacking in detail; only roughly outlined.
