as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
having a messy room is virtually de rigueur for a college student
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of messy
The Rémy Mojito 1 oz fresh lime juice 0.5 oz simple syrup
1 oz sparkling water
Handful of fresh mint
Add all ingredients except sparkling water to shaker tin, shake with a small handful of pebbled ice (this doesn’t break the mint leaves as much, which can look a bit messy.
—
Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Not because that is anybody’s intention but because our little, squalling selves are born to messy people.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
Ryan Lochte and Kayla Rae Reid’s divorce is getting messier and messier.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 8 July 2025
In a mirror selfie that appeared to be taken in a gym, the Baby Driver actress posed in a sports bra and leggings, her newly dark hair piled into a messy bun atop her head.
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for messy
Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Not because that is anybody’s intention but because our little, squalling selves are born to messy people.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
Ryan Lochte and Kayla Rae Reid’s divorce is getting messier and messier.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 8 July 2025
In a mirror selfie that appeared to be taken in a gym, the Baby Driver actress posed in a sports bra and leggings, her newly dark hair piled into a messy bun atop her head.
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for messy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messy
Adjective
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In the chaotic final stretch of the vote-a-rama, GOP leaders zeroed in on Murkowski, working to address her concerns about the bill’s financial effect on Alaska.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2025
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What surprised me the most Despite a chaotic global economy, brand spending reductions and a cautious outlook on growth, the spending and cash was flowing, flowing, flowing.—
David Doty,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Driving Challenges tackle rock gardens, blind drop-offs, and water crossings where sloppy throttle work comes at a cost.—
Shelby Knick,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Thus far, the Wind Down delivers with its clean lines, deep cushions, and just-right balance of softness and structure that is far from sloppy—even with her young child is known to practice high dives and a somersaults or two.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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The text, translated from French, is presented partly in comics-style word bubbles, and the illustrations of confused, anxious, and increasingly exasperated animals tell a great story in any language.—
Caroline Carlson
June 30,
Literary Hub,
30 June 2025
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College admission often feels like a similar face-off between families, leaving them confused, concerned, and conjecturing.—
Brennan Barnard,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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These words are so filthy, even 40 years later, that Tribune editors will only allow an edited version to be included here.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
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The girl is so filthy that just one look at her gets across the idea that this lifestyle is repellent.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Messy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messy. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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