mess 1 of 2

noun

ˈmes How to pronounce mess (audio)
Definition of messnext
1
as in havoc
a state in which everything is out of order the bachelor party had left the house in a total mess

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2
as in meal
food eaten or prepared for eating at one time a mess of oatmeal

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3
as in sight
something unpleasant to look at the car was a mess after the accident

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4
as in loads
a considerable amount an unexpected Super Bowl loss that unleashed a whole mess of finger-pointing and second-guessing

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mess

2 of 2

verb

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

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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 mess
Noun
The last three Republican presidents have left the country in the economic and war-ravaged mess that is the standard Republican modus operandi. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 Only after sliding Kreidler in at shortstop more often with Clemens moving to second base did the Twins begin to clean up their mess. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Verb
Ships, like airplanes, are designed with fluid dynamics in mind, and biofoul seriously messes that up. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 Don’t mess with success anymore. — Andrew Lack, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess
  1. havoc
  2. meal
  3. sight
  4. loads
  5. interfere
  6. hell
  7. menu
  8. fright
Noun
  • His counterpressing has been a major aid to the way the team plays, and Balogun’s ability to run in behind the lines and cause havoc in the box opens space and makes things easier for the attacking players around him.
    — Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • You’d be forgiven for thinking far fewer of the destructive predators are causing havoc, however.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • Each format layers protein with fiber and healthy fats, which helps stretch a small meal into real nutrition.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 15, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Nausea is a common side effect of these medications, and heavy, greasy meals can amplify it rather than settle the stomach.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Definition of meal
Noun
  • But that’s Nolan, who’s always going to lead with his head and who even here circles around the sacking of Troy like the eventual sight of it will unlock all the anguish its protagonist feels but can’t express.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026
  • The sight of the sun being blotted out has long had religious and spiritual meaning.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
Definition of sight
Noun
  • Transformers require specialized vehicles and heavy-duty trailers capable of carrying oversized loads.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • Flawless routines and loads of amenities were once seen as the ultimate pillars of hospitality.
    — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
Definition of loads
Verb
  • Sami interfered in the match and the referee called for the bell.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • The intelligence community had previously said that several foreign actors, including China, sought to interfere in the 2020 election but that there was no evidence of those efforts successfully changing the outcome.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of interfere
Noun
  • When the typewriter was first invented, writers kicked hell and said, The thing is writing.
    — Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
  • The cast, of course, knew that experience of family as heaven, hell and somewhere in between.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026
Definition of hell
Noun
  • The menu also features Big Green Egg smoked brisket (black-eyed peas, collard greens and red onion marmalade) and Thai turkey and sweet potato hash (red jasmine rice, crispy shallots, basted egg and prik nam pla).
    — Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
  • Coastal flavors and seasonal catches are on the menu at a new restaurant coming soon to Charlotte’s Cotswold neighborhood.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
Definition of menu
Noun
  • They were not used to being hunted and had quickly got over their fright.
    — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026
  • Both O’Flynn and Rhys have had spotlight episodes so far this season, but will Emmys voters see the pathos and creativity behind the laughs and frights?
    — William Earl, Variety, 11 June 2026
Definition of fright

Phrases Containing mess

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mesomorphic
mess
message
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Cite this Entry

“Mess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mess. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of mess for Spanish Speakers

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