View synonyms for seamy

seamy

[ see-mee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

, seam·i·er, seam·i·est.

unpleasant or sordid; low; disagreeable:
the seamy side of life.
Synonyms: nasty, coarse, rough, squalid
having, showing, or of the nature of a seam.

seamy

/ ˈsiːmɪ /

adjective

showing the least pleasant aspect; sordid
(esp of the inner side of a garment) showing many seams

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Derived Forms

ˈseaminess, noun

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Other Words From

seami·ness noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of seamy¹

1595–1605; seam + -y ¹; in transferred senses alluding to the unpresentable appearance of the inside of a garment, i.e., where the seams show

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Example Sentences

Though the case featured sometimes seamy discussion of sex and tabloid industry practices, the actual charges concern something decidedly less flashy: reimbursements Trump signed for Cohen for the payments.

From Seattle Times

The 12-person panel is shown evidence and witness testimony so they can decide whether the former president is guilty of a scheme to buy up and bury seamy stories in an effort to illegally influence the 2016 presidential election.

From Seattle Times

Cohen soon told a federal court that he had helped candidate Trump wield the National Enquirer tabloid as a sort of house organ that flattered him, tried to flatten his opponents and bottled up seamy allegations about his personal life by buying stories or flagging them to Cohen to purchase.

From Seattle Times

The NYT's new expose endeavors to pull back the curtain on horse racing's seamy, systemic issues with doping and unbridled breeding practices through exclusive interviews and evidentiary support, giving viewers a better understanding of why such intensely powerful animals are falling apart.

From Salon

Related Words

seamstress seamy side

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