as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
the novel has an icky sentimentality that makes my skin crawl
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of icky
So, while the prospect of a jumping spider might be icky, the biomechanics behind it are certainly interesting.
—
New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2025
If talking about age feels too icky, think of it more in terms of revivifying the party’s ideas and approach to meet the moment.
—Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 29 May 2025
Plus, Devon’s dad and his dementia get played for laughs in a way that feels icky.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 22 May 2025
Plus, it’s made without 15 common potentially icky nail polish ingredients.
—Siena Gagliano, Allure, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for icky
New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2025
If talking about age feels too icky, think of it more in terms of revivifying the party’s ideas and approach to meet the moment.
—Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 29 May 2025
Plus, Devon’s dad and his dementia get played for laughs in a way that feels icky.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 22 May 2025
Plus, it’s made without 15 common potentially icky nail polish ingredients.
—Siena Gagliano, Allure, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for icky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for icky
Adjective
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Disruptions in the ratio, like when there’s too much estrogen vs. testosterone, can cause unpleasant symptoms like weight gain, mood swings, and fatigue.—
Caitlin Pagán,
Verywell Health,
1 Aug. 2025
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Tribalism can and does spill over into much more unpleasant areas, from basic name-calling to more insidious abuse.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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As the moon moves through Sagittarius, a harsh reality disturbs your inner peace.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
3 Aug. 2025
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Unlike harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scrubbers like steel wool, salt effectively tackles grime while remaining safe for both wood and plastic cutting board surfaces.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Smears on non-sensor areas of the tiara are like bug debris on your hood, aesthetically unpleasing but not harmful.—
Eric Tegler,
Popular Mechanics,
1 Oct. 2019
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His side's inability to finish off the game against Burnley on the other hand was very unpleasing.—
SI.com,
SI.com,
1 Feb. 2018
Adjective
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Truth be told, neither outcome would have been a bad choice.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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Find our takes below, ranked from worst (one star) to best (five stars).—
Bradley Hohulin,
IndyStar,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Unfortunately, later in the day, arguments about controversial issues like politics and religion could get nasty.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
31 July 2025
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After dropping Monday’s opener to the Twins – following a nasty delay between the top and bottom of the ninth – the Red Sox got right back on the horse.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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In February, the feud between way and actor Marlon Wayans reached an ugly head when the rapper published a series of cruel and vindictive social media posts targeting Wayans' transgender son, Kai.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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As Vallejos pulled ahead thanks to his striking combinations and power, which left Silva looking to goad him into an ugly slugfest, which Vallejos mostly avoided sticking to his game plan of using combinations to take advantage of Silva’s lack of defense.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The cherry on top of this sour data cocktail is the ISM manufacturing report that just hit the wires.—
Kelly Evans,
CNBC,
1 Aug. 2025
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The same poll showed voter attitudes of all Americans towards Israel’s role in the ongoing war have turned sour, with just 32% approving of Israel’s war, the lowest since the question was first asked in November 2023.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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This disgusting breach of civil rights against students will not stand.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 July 2025
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There are explosions, too, and lots of NSFW supe antics, like one unidentified supe hacking up a disgusting ball of...something from her throat that splatters on Kimiko's cheek.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Icky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/icky. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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