stickier; stickiest
1
3
: tending to stick
4
a
: disagreeable, unpleasant
came to a sticky end
c
: difficult, problematic
a sticky situation
5
: excessively sentimental : cloying
Examples of sticky in a Sentence
The sap is very sticky.
There is a sticky substance on the table.
The paint was still sticky.
The weather was hot and sticky.
Recent Examples on the Web
Inspect them for rust and any sticky residue which can be wiped away with WD-40 (which also help keep the hinges lubricated).
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
And inflation, while still sticky, has remained stable in recent months.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
These pests can cause yellowing leaves, sticky residue, fine webbing, and stunted growth.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
Wax paper can ignite in high temperatures, damaging the oven's interior, or melt and leave a sticky residue on baking pans or food items.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sticky
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Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
And inflation, while still sticky, has remained stable in recent months.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
These pests can cause yellowing leaves, sticky residue, fine webbing, and stunted growth.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
Wax paper can ignite in high temperatures, damaging the oven's interior, or melt and leave a sticky residue on baking pans or food items.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sticky
Cite this Entry
“Sticky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticky. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sticky
adjective
stickier; stickiest
1
a
: adhesive entry 1, gluey
sticky syrup
b
: coated with a sticky substance
the tabletop was sticky
3
: tending to stick
sticky windows
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