1
as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
a hugger-mugger presentation of the facts of the case that left everyone confused
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clandestine
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others
a tale of hugger-mugger doings and international espionage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugger-mugger
Adjective
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The piece is also outdoor-safe and easy to care for; simply wipe it down with a dry cloth after a messy project.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Mar. 2026 -
The series revolves around three awkward high school sophomores — Steven (Martin), Garrett (Taylor) and Anna (Pruitt) — who stumble through the messy world of teenage romance and identity, learning that sucking at girls is just part of growing up.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Domestic law enforcement remains particularly vigilant for Iranian sleeper cells, lone actors and clandestine operatives living in our cities and towns under the radar.—
Rick Pozniak,
Boston Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
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In the last year, Mexican troops have been deployed across the country to quell narco-violence, arresting legions of cartel operatives, seizing tons of illicit drugs and busting hundreds of clandestine laboratories.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The attack unfolded in a chaotic scene Lang’s sparsely attended protest Saturday drew a far larger group of counterdemonstrators.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
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The scene had grown chaotic even before the devices were thrown.—
Jake Offenhartz,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Herlihy goes undercover as Jost, even appearing on the Late Night with Seth Meyers show.—
Andy Hoglund,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Mar. 2026
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Nick warned Mindi that an undercover team disguised as tree surgeons were planting surveillance cameras around their house.—
Erin Moriarty,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Jeans This ‘90s-style denim by Levi’s has a slightly slouchy fit (that doesn’t border on the side of sloppy) with a straight leg.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
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Roads may get a bit sloppy, too, with ponding possible in spots and even some icing far north and west of the city.—
Justin Lewis,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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None could tame its political furies; its covert operations, which killed more than a thousand Americans in Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan; or its expansion, through the creation of like-minded extremist movements, across the Middle East.—
Robin Wright,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
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Minneapolis psychologist Lucy Olson helped organize a covert grassroots network that swelled to 2,000 volunteers assisting around 500 immigrant families with legal matters, shelter, food and rent assistance.—
Steve Karnowski,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Cigarette butts are the most littered item on the planet.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Degrading Iran’s war machine The larger munitions would have likely been used to penetrate underground facilities, destroy missile launch bunkers, and collapse tunnels or storage depots.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Mar. 2026
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These natural gems give a glimpse into the Floridan aquifer, a system of porous limestone that forms underground caves and rivers, pushing water up through vents and ultimately flowing into the faucets of millions of Sunshine State residents.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Hugger-mugger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugger-mugger. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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