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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of mess
Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
Between all the football-watching get-togethers, holiday parties, and more, fall always brings a wealth of hosting opportunities that can quickly turn into one big mess without the right tools nearby.
—Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
The Marlins may also potentially mess things for the Phillies quest at avoiding the NL’s third-best record or Detroit’s bid at staying as the team with the top record in the AL.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mess
Noun
In the ongoing conversation about Jefferson County Public Schools' financial mess, the purchase of weapon detectors two years ago has been repeatedly pointed to as proof that while overspending occurred, money was also spent on worthwhile investments.
—Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
Between all the football-watching get-togethers, holiday parties, and more, fall always brings a wealth of hosting opportunities that can quickly turn into one big mess without the right tools nearby.
—Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
The last two seasons have proven that the team starts off slow, which ends up messing their chances of making the playoffs.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
The Marlins may also potentially mess things for the Phillies quest at avoiding the NL’s third-best record or Detroit’s bid at staying as the team with the top record in the AL.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess
Noun
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Almost serpentine in her shimmering elegance, Thompson’s Hedda glides from room to room wreaking social havoc with her guests, an old lover, and even her husband that will, ultimately, have tragic consequences for all.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Oct. 2025
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In contrast, effective interplay between James McClean, Doyle and O’Brien down the left was minimal, allowing QPR to dominate that flank, particularly during a first half when Harvey Vale and Rumarn Burrell caused havoc.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The meals were invoiced as food for wellness fairs, family fun days and other Foundation events.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
12 Oct. 2025
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This was true, though on that particular visit the pain had to do mostly with the need to take the children to play areas buzzing with sounds and lights, with not having any leisurely meals or time to wander.—
Ayşegül Savaş,
New Yorker,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The sight of Musk swinging a chainsaw onstage at a conservative conference captured the pell-mell approach, not to mention the brutality, of the billionaire’s plan to bring the federal government to heel.—
Andy Kroll,
ProPublica,
18 Oct. 2025
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Set your sights on Kilkenny in the southeast of the country, where celebrations take place throughout the month and culminate in a Samhain festival.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The extra-large dryer fits large loads and can handle multiple blankets.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
16 Oct. 2025
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The fourth-generation model (and third Spyder overall) is a true speed machine, combining more aggressive styling with loads of power.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But Colorado has interfered in those discussions.—
Megan Schrader,
Denver Post,
13 Oct. 2025
-
This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media.—
Jonny Diamond,
Literary Hub,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Bible refers to the eagle, which refers to America, the fourth seal broken, and hell coming to Earth.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Lee’s just about to explain Betty Jo’s absence when those cops that hate him — last seen at Dale’s memorial — scoop him up and deliver him to hell.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The menu includes an Off the Record, a spicy tequila cocktail ($8), along with specials like $7 or $9 mini pitchers, $6 Gracie's Tax Beers and $5 well drinks.—
Felicia Campbell,
AZCentral.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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Your host has invested time and energy into planning a thoughtful menu and bringing your own dish forces them to include something in the assortment that may not be harmonious with the rest of the meal.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
When the lovebirds return from their honeymoon, they are met with quite a fright!—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
-
In the context of CoComelon, fake skeletons can be a source of fun and play, not frights.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
10 Oct. 2025
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 19 Oct. 2025.
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