1
as in havoc
a state in which everything is out of order
the bachelor party had left the house in a total mess
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in meal
food eaten or prepared for eating at one time
a mess of oatmeal
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
as in loads
a considerable amount
an unexpected Super Bowl loss that unleashed a whole mess of finger-pointing and second-guessing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to interfere
to interest oneself in what is not one's concern
please don't mess with me while I'm trying to concentrate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of mess
Chad Mason, Outdoor Life, 3 June 2026
Every few takes, a crew member sprays him down with a mixture of water and fake blood, careful not to damage his custom Fender Stratocaster, which is already spattered with its own red mess.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 June 2026
Andrew Rice, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Like that series, this movie messes with your mind by taking full advantage of creepy backroom spaces.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mess
Noun
Catching a mess of hoppers is as easy as strolling through tall grass with a butterfly net.
—Chad Mason, Outdoor Life, 3 June 2026
Every few takes, a crew member sprays him down with a mixture of water and fake blood, careful not to damage his custom Fender Stratocaster, which is already spattered with its own red mess.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 June 2026
Verb
Even the stadium itself can mess with the breeze, and in Bermuda earlier this month, the banks of temporary bleachers set up for spectators were creating a dead spot at the top of the course.
—Andrew Rice, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Like that series, this movie messes with your mind by taking full advantage of creepy backroom spaces.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess
Noun
-
The Hornets thrived all season by creating havoc on the base paths.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
-
Federico Chiesa Even though injuries have played havoc with Liverpool’s attack, Chiesa has been unable to secure a more meaningful role.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
But my favorite meal of all was room-service breakfast, served on our patio, with perfect ocean views.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 May 2026
-
The attorney said earlier this week that her clients also had been given meals containing worms, which prompted some detainees to go on a hunger strike.—
Julia Ainsley,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
With no imminent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in sight, the situation has prompted many to reflect on the extent to which the world remains deeply reliant on fossil fuel trade routes.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
-
From the mural of Prince to his gold star on First Avenue, fans walked all around, taking in the sights.—
Reg Chapman,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
This means that a small engine can handle immense power loads without generating wasteful heat.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 June 2026
-
Romance, steamy chemistry, and loads of pettiness — these are the staples of Love Island USA.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The game was not yet codified, and teachers let students organize games without interfering in their play.—
Thomas Adam,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026
-
Bliss made a furious comeback before Michin interfered, leading to a four-woman brawl on the outside.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile, in Sacramento, the Kings are back in basketball hell after tying for the fourth-worst record in the NBA despite having the league’s eighth-highest payroll.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
-
The Avici hell is the lowest and most terrible level of the eight hot hells of Buddhism, where those who’ve committed serious crimes (like parricide) must face constant suffering.—
Regina Kim,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
There was an eight-pillow menu to choose from, which was a thoughtful touch.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
Breakfast and lunch are buffet spreads, while dinner brings an à la carte menu that changes daily to reflect regional specialties.—
Chrissie McClatchie,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Copyright 2025, all frights reserved.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
-
In set-pieces involving the Pooka, dark lighting and strong use of shadow results in some scenes that can give younger viewers a genuine fright.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
1 May 2026
Video
Hot Mess
Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings
Cite this Entry
“Mess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mess. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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