Synonyms for "sticky"

13 kid-friendly synonyms for sticky, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "sticky" mean?

The word sticky is an adjective that means: easy to get stuck to.

Example: "My hands are sticky."

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for sticky

Younger kids can use these in place of "sticky":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for sticky

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for sticky

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of sticky (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of sticky:

See the full sticky antonyms page →

FAQ — synonyms for sticky

What is a good synonym for sticky in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try gluey. For older students, "adhesive" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does sticky have?
We list 13 grade-appropriate synonyms for sticky across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is sticky a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, sticky is used as an adjective.

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