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
Relevance
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
The art style is messier than those shows', with an almost Claymation-meets-live-action look.
—
Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
No messy egg half-moons in sight.
—Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026
Travis Chicago Style, one of the Magic City’s oldest food trucks, lures fans with their gloriously messy burgers and hot dogs.
—Bob Carlton, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026
Keep Moving Focus on the messiest zones and keep each pass quick.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for messy
Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
No messy egg half-moons in sight.
—Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026
Travis Chicago Style, one of the Magic City’s oldest food trucks, lures fans with their gloriously messy burgers and hot dogs.
—Bob Carlton, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026
Keep Moving Focus on the messiest zones and keep each pass quick.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for messy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messy
Adjective
-
In recent years, south suburban Dolton and Thornton Township have become synonymous with political dysfunction — chaotic public meetings, allegations of financial impropriety, and residents stuck with deficits and unpaid bills.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
-
At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a CNN reporter saw chaotic scenes, with passengers shuffling from line to line.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Then, just to flub any chance for enjoying some dumb fun with a skilled cast hamming it up, the sloppy story grinds the all-too-predictable, all-too-lame whodunit to a halt, as well.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
18 Mar. 2026
-
In other cases, victims have slammed the department for sloppy redactions that revealed their sensitive information.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Julia’s mixed medium mural hanging on her family room wall clues us into her cluttered, frenzied mindset.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
-
But, the other side of the argument says their open display can cause your design to look cluttered and messy.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The horse is very confused by your utter lack of consideration as to the consequences.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Late last year, Walsh told the Tribune the government’s move to press charges had left her shocked and confused.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
Cigarette butts are the most littered item on the planet.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The words sound like magnetic fridge poetry—jumbled and foreign in her mouth.—
Olivia Horn,
Pitchfork,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Yet all this beauty ultimately does not save a jumbled narrative.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The filmmaker shows a strong handle over the film’s fanciful tone and fitfully filthy sense of humor, and he’s credited with composing the film’s score full of squawking brass instruments and skittish strings in addition to writing, directing and editing.—
Stephen Saito,
Variety,
16 Mar. 2026
-
But there’s a difference between a dirty deal and a filthy deal.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Messy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messy. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
