Definition of messnext
1
2
3
as in sight
something unpleasant to look at the car was a mess after the accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

mess

2 of 2

verb

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
Hostettler says the mess was cleaned up in short order, and the hotel responded by posting its own video to show everything was again pristine. Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The result was a mess, and difficult to poll, though every pollster has found Hong well ahead of the field. David Weigel, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
The sequence in which Carmy tries to talk Richie down from a panic attack feels equally dynamic and alive right to its conclusion — when Carmy pretends they’ve gotten locked in, just as Carmy once was, to mess with Richie’s head. Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026 No one can match her depth and passion to get vengeance on Krem of the Yellow Hills for messing with her family — a sentiment Cancers understand. Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess
Noun
  • The wingers were the stand-out performers during the pre-season trip to Asia, with Antoine Semenyo in particular — but also Savinho — causing havoc with their dribbling.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The havoc a hacker wreaks using their attack could be catastrophic.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Rethinking the all-inclusive As lovely as the meal, sharing it with other travelers became one of our most delightful experiences.
    Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Erin Patterson was convicted last year of deliberately lacing a beef wellington meal with death cap mushrooms to murder her children’s grandparents and the wife of the local pastor.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Generations of families, visitors and vacationers have been walking the boards, soaking in the sights and experiencing a key piece of Atlantic City's history.
    Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The young actors play Farasha and Faris, who meet at a graduation party and fall in love at first sight.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The finding challenges earlier computer models that predict how nuclear fusion reactor materials handle extreme thermal loads.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • For everyday loads of shirts, pants and towels, that’s more than enough.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This year is especially favorable because the peak lines up with a new moon, meaning there will be essentially no moonlight to interfere.
    Joe Ruch, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • More immediately, the opinion saved Trump from facing trial for interfering in the 2020 election.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Instead Justine shows up to slit his throat and take the baby from him, leaving him for dead; the child winds up disappearing with Holtz into a hell dimension.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Desperate to believe his life is about to change, Tommy steals Wayne’s car and begins driving his band from Kansas City to Los Angeles, hell bent on getting there in three days.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The spokesperson said Waffle House doesn’t yet have a timeline for deciding if tacos land a spot on the permanent menu.
    Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Executive chef Joan Bagur’s menu highlights the finest local ingredients.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But Broadway is a different beast, and the real question is whether horror audiences are willing to go beyond their local multiplex in search of frights.
    William Earl, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • After a couple of rounds of throwing up and an evaluation by the doctor, Coop is okay, but the whole thing puts a fright into the crew, and especially into Joy.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on mess

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster