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
Relevance
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
Megan Wallitsch, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Alexander Storozhuk has been sitting in the middle of that mess for roughly 20 years.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026
The Rock Hall just messed this one up.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mess
Noun
While stunning in the moment, the days and weeks that followed were nothing but a slushy mess.
—Megan Wallitsch, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Alexander Storozhuk has been sitting in the middle of that mess for roughly 20 years.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
This rug can stand up to all your pets’ messes with its durable fibers that are easy to spot-clean.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026
The Rock Hall just messed this one up.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess
Noun
-
While ground covers can boost the health and aesthetics of your yard, some varieties can wreak havoc on nearby plants, trees, and soil.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
1 May 2026
-
The other problem is this AI locomotive coming down the tracks, which is going to wreak havoc for workers.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Now Los Angeles Times editor Daniel Hernandez, too, has reported on his meal at Noma LA, even as the paper’s critics declined to dine there.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
-
There is also more competition than ever in the restaurant space for health-conscious diners and protein-rich snacks and meals.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The astronauts also witnessed sights of the moon's far side never seen with the unaided eye during a historic lunar flyby April 6.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The sight of a fit-again Chris Wood leading the line is a welcome relief to Forest fans for the run-in, scoring their second goal in what was only his second Premier League start since October.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Since 2023, McLane routes using this technology logged 280,000 autonomous miles in Texas, covering 1,400 loads delivered to restaurants.—
Eric Rosenbaum,
CNBC,
6 May 2026
-
Between 2018 and early 2025, radiology case loads skyrocketed 25%, according to the Journal of the American College of Radiology.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
This act interferes greatly with local departments of planning and development for erroneous climate protocols enacted by Ronald Regan.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
-
First, my office drafted an enforceable ordinance that does not interfere in any way with the legitimate interests of the federal government in enforcing immigration laws constitutionally.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
This autumn, though, the feminist alt-rock icons are finally giving us one hell of a sonic supernova.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
28 Apr. 2026
-
But, this specific adaptation could be equally advantaged by presenting an imagined hell within our lesser, present one.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Swim Club–which operates in an outdoor seating area and by the pool–offers a straightforward yet tasty menu with an emphasis on snacks, salads and sandwiches, and kid-friendly options like quesadillas and chicken tenders.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 May 2026
-
This award-winning spot offers a delicious farm-to-table menu and sweeping views.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
The 1390 Super Duke RR is leaner and better appointed for handling than the regular Super Duke R, and is sure to give your insurer a proper fright.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Apr. 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 8 May. 2026.
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