Synonyms for

Sketchy

Verb / ˈsketʃi: / Another word for sketchy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not to be trusted; suspicious

Synonyms & similar words

unelaborated suspicious shady dubious questionable fishy unsavory untrustworthy dodgy uncertain vague unclear ambiguous debatable equivocal iffy murky nebulous ambiguous unreliable unstable

Synonyms by register

Formal

dubious questionable uncertain unreliable

Informal

shady dodgy fishy suspicious iffy

Literary

nebulous vague dim

Antonyms

reliable trustworthy certain definite clear solid dependable

Common collocations

  • sketchy details
  • sketchy area
  • sketchy character
  • sketchy past
  • sketchy plan
  • sketchy reputation
  • sketchy information

Word family

noun sketchiness
adjective sketchy

Usage note

Often used informally to describe something or someone that is not trustworthy or reliable, or is of dubious quality. Can also refer to something that is incomplete or vague.

Example sentences

  1. The drawing looked a little sketchy, so I asked the artist to fix it.
  2. I didn't want to go to that neighborhood at night because it seemed sketchy.
  3. The website seemed a bit sketchy, so I didn't buy anything from it.
  4. The guy who offered to help me with my groceries looked sketchy, so I declined.
  5. I felt a little sketchy about leaving my bike unlocked outside the store.

Quotes

  • "The whole thing feels sketchy to me," said Emma. "I don't think we should get involved."
  • "I don't want to go to that club," said Tom. "It looks sketchy."
  • "I know it's a little sketchy, but I'm desperate," said Sarah.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words