Synonyms for

Sticky

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

Definition

Something that is sticky is covered with a substance that things can stick to.

Synonyms & similar words

viscid awkward pasty glutinous viscous muggy embarrassing gummy unenviable mucilaginous gluey steamy adhesive gummy tacky clingy viscous gluey gooey mucilaginous tenacious thick viscid adherent cohesive gritty glutinous sticky-fingered clingy lamellibranch glittery pasty

Synonyms by register

Formal

adhesive cohesive viscous tenacious

Informal

gummy tacky clingy gooey

Literary

glutinous viscid clammy

Antonyms

smooth slippery dry nonadhesive loose unsticky

Common collocations

  • sticky situation
  • sticky note
  • sticky fingers
  • sticky mess
  • sticky tape
  • sticky bun
  • sticky wicket

Word family

noun stickiness
verb stick
adjective sticky
adverb stickily

Usage note

Can refer to a physical property of adhesion or a difficult, awkward situation. 'Sticky' is generally informal when referring to a situation.

Example sentences

  1. The honey was so sticky that it got all over my fingers.
  2. The tape was sticky and held the paper together.
  3. The glue was sticky and made a mess.
  4. The rice was sticky and hard to separate.
  5. The spider web was sticky and caught the fly.

Quotes

  • Life's too short to be living somebody else's dream. Stick to your own.
  • Believe me, you have to get up early if you want to get out of bed.
  • I'm not interested in being a 'teen star' because so many people don't ever grow out of that.

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