messy

adjective

ˈme-sē How to pronounce messy (audio)
Definition of messynext
as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness having a messy room is virtually de rigueur for a college student

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 messy Yet, the specifics of this case ensure a sure-to-be messy affair in so far as neither Ellison likes being backed against a wall. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 But for the film’s main characters Marija (Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė) and Vytas (Marius Repšys), the conflict also serves, in part, as a distraction — a way to avoid unpacking their pain over their messy separation. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026 The league has a deep, complicated, messy history, and local fandoms are rich with lore and passion. — Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 But the science behind that promise is thinner and messier than the videos suggest. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for messy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messy
  1. chaotic
  2. sloppy
  3. cluttered
  4. confused
  5. littered
  6. jumbled
  7. filthy
Adjective
  • The last time Harry Brook batted in a Test for England his performance was so chaotic, frenetic and, frankly, irresponsible that New Zealand’s players laughed at him.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • In terms of reaching frontline workers with the promises of AI, things are rather chaotic.
    — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of chaotic
Adjective
  • On the previous drive, the Falcons’ starting offense went three-and-out — in sloppy, uninspiring fashion.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • First off, always practice perfect form with a lighter weight rather than compensate with sloppy form and a heavier weight.
    — Jakob Roze, HEALTH, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of sloppy
Adjective
  • The more room between furnishings, the less cluttered the space.
    — Amanda Sims, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Transforming Real-World Workflows The ScanMax 320 is engineered to adapt directly to your specific daily routines, transforming cluttered setups into highly efficient ecosystems.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of cluttered
Adjective
  • After all, the greatest art often emerges from those who are at their most vulnerable, confused and lost.
    — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, the confused driver took them north of the city to Stoneham before finally turning around.
    — Logan Hall, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of confused
Adjective
  • In the past, her songs were so littered with personal details that listening felt voyeuristic.
    — Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The series does not touch on the tabloid attention that followed the Beckhams in 2004, when it was alleged that David had an affair with his personal assistant, Rebecca Loos, and the many further accusations of cheating that littered gossip columns after.
    — Scarlett Harris, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
Definition of littered
Adjective
  • Imagine a termite carving a path like a jumbled ball of string through a tree trunk, instead of an axe cleaving a single vector.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026
  • This jumbled, makeshift archive reassured her about her own perceptions.
    — Fern Schumer Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of jumbled
Adjective
  • The game starts with a flashback 30 years ago to a feral, filthy Wolverine who’s living alone in the wilderness.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Few things at airports irritate customers like filthy toilets or water on the restroom floor.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of filthy

Browse Nearby Words

mess (with)
messy
met
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Messy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messy. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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