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Synonyms

artsy

American  
[ahrt-see] / ˈɑrt si /

adjective

Informal.
artsier, artsiest
  1. arty.

  2. artsy-craftsy.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of artsy

1900–05; art 1 + -sy or art 1 + -s 3 + -y 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The global “urbex” phenomenon isn’t new, but it’s been turbocharged by artsy videos on Instagram and TikTok that spur others to create their own posts, luring still more curiosity seekers.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 7, 2026

“Growing up here, it was an eclectic, artsy, laid-back town,” said Stanaland, who’s been selling in the area for 30 years.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 24, 2026

“It used to not be on the map,” Alatriste says of the artsy, up-and-coming neighborhood, just a half-hour drive south of downtown Miami Beach.

From MarketWatch Jan. 14, 2026

That electorate is more educated, affluent and urban than the state as a whole, clustered in Portland’s walkable neighborhoods, college towns such as Brunswick and artsy coastal communities that swell with summer tourists.

From Salon Nov. 17, 2025

It’s got an upstairs and a basement, and it’s in an artsy neighborhood called Fondren.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

But Fischer frames Lucas’ career arc as a disappointment, despite all those dollar figures — Lucas wanted to return to artsier “THX”-style fare, but needed cash flow.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 20, 2026

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift toward much smaller, artsier films. 2014’s "Birdman." 2016’s "Moonlight." 2019’s "Parasite."

From Fox News Mar. 24, 2022

It also continues a new theme in Microsoft’s lineup of exclusives, which have become much artsier and more diverse than years past.

From Forbes Mar. 2, 2015

I don’t want Louie to become ordinary–an artsier, looser version of a kind of dramedy that other shows are already doing–and I hope Louis CK doesn’t want that either.

From Time Jun. 17, 2014

This fattiness endears it to the world’s artsier cheesemakers, who find in sheep’s milk a profound communicator of terroir.

From Slate Jul. 24, 2012

The “painting” appears before your eyes with a wash of brushstrokes or charcoal, looking like the artsiest smartphone filter ever.

From Washington Post Sep. 20, 2022

The three-day festival has six stages, both indoor and outdoor, showcasing local and national talent in one of Seattle’s artsiest and most inclusive neighborhoods.

From Seattle Times Jul. 19, 2018

“I’m not the artsiest guy,” Mr. Johnson said, explaining that he was happy to let the museum do the choosing.

From New York Times Apr. 5, 2018

These are also the movies that get talked about online, in all but the artsiest magazines, in the ads that probably take up more space in your newspaper than the reviews do.

From Salon Jul. 30, 2016

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