messes 1 of 2

Definition of messesnext
plural of mess
1
2
3
as in horrors
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

messes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of mess

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 messes
Noun
Stubborn messes might need some extra love, so pour one cup each of vinegar and water into your pot and bring it to a boil. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 7 May 2026 Plus, don’t miss out on home must-haves like a handheld vacuum that tackles small messes with ease and a plush bathroom rug that’s only $9 right now. Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 The multipurpose surface cleaner provides a powerful clean to tackle messes in a stylish, reusable bottle. ABC News, 4 May 2026 This time, the NFL’s strategy for a potential lockout includes using technology to clean up the replacement refs’ potential messes, via centralized decision-making from the league’s Manhattan offices. Michael Silver, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Paper towels are popular for their convenience in cleaning up messes, absorbency, and versatility. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026 Its full 360-degree swivel head and extra-scrubby (yet extra-gentle) mopping pads were similarly made with bigger messes in mind. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026 By addressing messes quickly and effectively, these types of products can help prevent stains, odors, and wear that often lead to deeper cleaning, repairs, or replacements. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 Think of it like wiping down kitchen counters — a little routine effort prevents big messes from building up. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
But pollen also messes with sleep, ups the risk of sinus infections, causes people to miss school and work, and can pose more serious dangers. Keerti Gopal, ArsTechnica, 8 May 2026 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 latter may be tied to iron deficiency from irregular periods, plus the drop in estrogen, which messes with the dopamine activity that regulates muscle control. Erica Sloan, SELF, 24 Mar. 2026 Each has a meltdown worthy of a telenovela, messes with the crime scene and hours later the police are called. Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026 In Lost Lambs, the internet sabotages a family in much the same way that Napoleon messes things up for the Bezukhovs in Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Gideon Leek, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026 Somebody does something terrible and messes it up. Giana Levy, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messes
Noun
  • Arches and natural bridges sweep like buttresses from jumbles of rock, giving this landscape a mystical, cathedral-like quality.
    Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Macaroons are chewy jumbles of coconut bound together with egg whites and sweetened condensed milk.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The best meals at Hawkers Asian Street Food are enjoyed with friends at a full table, with copious plates–among the options are pork belly baos, roti canai, chili crisp wontons, and chicken dumplings–to share.
    Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026
  • Enjoy three meals a day at the lodge, including candlelight dinners, and a pianist in the cozy dining room.
    Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • The Braves couldn’t find the timely hit Friday and the house of horrors that is Dodger Stadium continued to be so for them in a 3-1 loss to the Dodgers.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 9 May 2026
  • But some of those horrors were missed on Thursday, thanks to the weather.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 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
  • This is where Earth’s atmosphere interferes least.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Smith stays largely mum on the news of the day, be that Kirk’s killing, or ICE raids, or whatever hells await in the coming weeks.
    Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
  • The protagonist's youth doesn't defang the story, as Silent Hill f wastes no time thrusting Hinako and her friends into their personal hells.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And that’s evident in so many facets in museums on Route 66, in neon signs and galleries, on menus that have been there, operating for decades and decades.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 May 2026
  • Most of the Chiefs references at the restaurant, meanwhile, can be found on the food and drink menus.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • After scoring 25 goals as a freshman in 2023 for Mother McAuley, Calli Edwards set her sights on getting to 100 in her career.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
  • Documents show SpaceX is looking to limit investors’ ability to challenge company management, as the rocket maker sets its sights on massive projects.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Messes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messes. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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