disheveled 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈshev-əld How to pronounce disheveled (audio)
variants or dishevelled
Definition of dishevelednext
as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness I got my suit pressed so I wouldn't look so disheveled for the wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disheveled

2 of 2

verb

variants or dishevelled
past tense of dishevel
as in disrupted
to undo the proper order or arrangement of decorations for the garden wedding that had been disheveled by the wind

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 disheveled
Adjective
Jennie threw it back to the 90s in a midriff-baring look that elevated disheveled dressing. — John Monaco, InStyle, 9 June 2026 But the disheveled populist quickly qualified his statement, as the crowd grew quiet again. — Liz Goodwin The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2026
Verb
As for the sweatpants, the wide-leg silhouette is roomy but not disheveled, and the drawstring waist is easy to adjust. — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026 If Newsom has been spotted disheveled in public, show me the proof. — Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disheveled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disheveled
  1. messy
  2. disrupted
  3. chaotic
  4. confused
  5. littered
  6. disturbed
  7. sloppy
  8. shuffled
Adjective
  • April 20 – May 20 Steady steps make messy tasks feel manageable.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Everyone has a plan, sure, and sometimes an ironclad belief in their motivations for that plan, but something always twists itself into a messy little knot in the execution.
    — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of messy
Verb
  • Analysts point out that the conflicts in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine have disrupted a significant amount of global refining capacity.
    — , CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
  • After years of digital overload and disrupted routines, people increasingly value the energy of gathering in person—whether at a neighborhood bar, a concert or a packed stadium.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of disrupted
Adjective
  • During the actual stream, things moved quickly beyond gambling, turning into something closer to a chaotic Drake variety show.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Kitchen The kitchen is a hard-working space that can feel chaotic—but doesn’t have to.
    — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of chaotic
Verb
  • Fujimoto, whose great-great-grandparents helped found Chinatown generations ago, said he is confused by the hold-up.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • It’s labeled in their inventory so it’s not confused for an original, but adds their own touch to their trove.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 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
Verb
  • Along Fence Lines and Retaining Walls Poison ivy grows best in out-of-the-way spaces that aren’t disturbed regularly.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Even when the material was strongly disturbed, the electronic order rebuilt itself smoothly across the sample.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of disturbed
Adjective
  • With a pointed collar and button cuffs, flannels look more put-together than sloppy sweatshirts, all while staying comfy and relaxed.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That screwed up the works / And not due to his sloppy hiring / Of a crew of incompetent jerks.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sloppy
Verb
  • The Playoff remains parked at 12 teams, and some G6 conferences shuffled teams, now including North Dakota State and Sacramento State.
    — Jason Kirk, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • Black voters were shuffled around Houston, with much of the previous 9th Congressional District becoming the new 18th District.
    — Rahul Mukherjee, NPR, 23 July 2026
Definition of shuffled

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Cite this Entry

“Disheveled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disheveled. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on disheveled

Nglish: Translation of disheveled for Spanish Speakers

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