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
Sometimes leaving the mess alone is not an option (see manscaping). Judith Martin, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 Part of Highway 169 had to close as crews cleaned up the mess. Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Verb
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 Ships, like airplanes, are designed with fluid dynamics in mind, and biofoul seriously messes that up. David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess
Noun
  • Iran has aimed significant firepower at its neighbors’ refineries, oil exports and tourist attractions, inflicting economic havoc on the Gulf states and the countries that do business with them.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This can create a tricky situation if those roots are causing havoc around your home’s foundation or otherwise disrupting your landscaping.
    Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • There will also be nearly two dozen Cooling Outreach On-Location (COOL) vans deployed to help people in need get medical assistance, meals and more.
    Katie Houlis, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Of the 84 affected individuals interviewed, 75 people, or 89%, reported eating at Chipotle between June 14 and July 14, with most meals dated between June 24 and July 2.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Milošević, in her UFC debut, earned a $100,000 performance bonus for her dominant victory, quickly setting her sights on future fights in the 135-pound division.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Located inside Bookman’s Alley, the restaurant’s entrance is tucked away from plain sight, which Kim said is what initially attracted them both to the space.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The weight is adjustable, allowing experienced CrossFit athletes and fitness newcomers to ruck together while carrying different loads.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Today, there are loads of fancier, stronger knots that have become common in fishing.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Charlotte Flair and Chelsea Green both qualified on television, Green over Kiana James and Flair over Nia Jax by disqualification after Jade Cargill interfered.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Intelligence agencies assessed in 2021 that China and other foreign countries did not try to interfere in technical aspects of the 2020 election, including voter registration processes.
    Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • By this point in the Tom Holland era, the idea of the multiverse had been introduced and popularized — hell, the Spider-Man franchise already centered it in Into the Spider-Verse three years prior.
    Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The game is also not easy; there’s a lot of bullet hell here, and many rooms are tight and filled with hazards and enemies.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Their menus include advanced therapies such as vitamin shots, protein and stem cell treatments, and IV infusions designed to support goals like weight loss, stress relief, and gut health.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The menu leans toward inventive New American cuisine with global influences, blending steakhouse favorites with seafood, sushi and shareable appetizers.
    Evan Moore August 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • They were not used to being hunted and had quickly got over their fright.
    Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mess. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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