sticky
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for sticky, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Coated with a substance that clings to things it touches; tending to stick.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
How to use sticky
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From stick plus the adjective-forming suffix -y.
Full origin of sticky →Frequently asked questions
What does “sticky” mean?
The word “sticky” means coated with a substance that clings to things it touches; tending to stick. In plain terms, tending to adhere or cling, awkward/tricky, or uncomfortably humid, depending on context.
How do you pronounce “sticky”?
“Sticky” is pronounced STIH-kee (/ˈstɪki/ in IPA).
How do you use “sticky” in a sentence?
Here is “sticky” used in a sentence: “His hands were sticky from the melted candy.”
What is another word for “sticky”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sticky” include tenacious, glutinous, muggy and sultry.
What part of speech is “sticky”?
Depending on how it is used, “sticky” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “sticky” a common word?
“Sticky” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “sticky” have?
“Sticky” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: coated with a substance that clings to things it touches; tending to stick.
What is the difference between "sticky" meaning adhesive and "sticky" meaning difficult?
The adhesive sense describes a physical substance that clings to surfaces it touches, while the "difficult" sense is a figurative extension used for an awkward or tricky situation to handle.
What is a "sticky note"?
A sticky note is a small piece of paper with an adhesive strip on the back, used for quick reminders and commonly known by the brand name Post-it.
When would you call a situation "sticky" rather than "difficult"?
"Sticky" implies a situation is awkward or delicate and hard to escape cleanly, often with a hint of embarrassment or risk, making it more vivid than the neutral "difficult."
Is "sticky weather" the same as "humid weather"?
Yes, "sticky" is an informal way to describe hot, humid conditions that leave skin feeling damp and uncomfortable.