hinky

adjective

ˈhiŋ-kē How to pronounce hinky (audio)
Definition of hinkynext
slang
1
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something the cop was feeling hinky about the whole situation and was starting to think that it was a setup

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty after noticing that the driver seemed hinky, the border guard demanded that he submit to an inspection of his vehicle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hinky These sorts of trust schemes have been around a long time and are known by a variety of hinky names such as the constitutional equity pure trust or a pure trust organization. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 Even with such an expansion afoot, odd missteps, hinky plotholes, and confounding questions still abound. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024 These sorts of trust schemes have been around a long time and are known by a variety of hinky names such as the constitutional equity pure trust or a pure trust organization. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hinky
  1. unsure
  2. worried
  3. suspicious
  4. nervous
  5. skeptical
  6. upset
  7. uncertain
  8. anxious
Adjective
  • Anyone who was at either of the Grapevine locations March 28-30 and is unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status is at risk of contracting measles, Tarrant officials said.
    — Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2025
  • But with how Trump’s plans are ever-changing, Metzgar is unsure if anything will remain a safe bet.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of unsure
Adjective
  • Many Americans are worried that their First Amendment right to free speech is fading.
    — Leila Fadel, NPR, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The patient’s toe had been amputated because of an infection causing unbearable pain and Dr Shaik, a neurology resident overseeing her care was worried.
    — Hansa Bhargava, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • At least 11 cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea within 15 months, the alliance heavily suspicious of Russian influence.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Arrow Cross officers patrolled, checking papers, suspicious police officers making sure there were no Jews where they weren’t supposed to be when they weren’t supposed to be there.
    — Gabra Zackman Emma Kehlbeck Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of suspicious
Adjective
  • The unemployment rate is pretty low at the moment, but under the hood Americans sure are nervous about the job market.
    — Emily Peck, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
  • This causes folks to be nervous, which triggers a lack in consumer confidence.
    — Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • Buffalo also had an inspiring end to the season two years ago, and that’s what has made fans skeptical that this late-season run means much.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But people remain skeptical, and some commentary isn't helping.
    — Susan Tompor, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of skeptical
Adjective
  • The characters are believably upset and irrational for much of the play.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Some people find that drinking it on an empty stomach, such as before breakfast, can also lead to digestive upset or acid reflux.
    — Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of upset
Adjective
  • And the partnership comes as TikTok’s future in the U.S. is uncertain.
    — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Aside from the retroactive tariffs expected to be announced this afternoon by the White House, not only is the imposition of secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian highly uncertain, but their possible nature remains inscrutable.
    — Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of uncertain
Adjective
  • Friday, a government report showed that the U.S. labor market held up better than expected in March despite the federal government’s layoffs, the crackdown on immigrants, and surveys showing that consumers and businesses are increasingly anxious about the economy.
    — Josh Fellman, Quartz, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Not that Wendlinger is anxious for her time with the Mustangs to end.
    — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of anxious

Browse Nearby Words

hinging
hinky
hinnies
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Cite this Entry

“Hinky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hinky. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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