as in mess
a state in which everything is out of order
a professional chef would not tolerate such messiness in the kitchen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
having a messy room is virtually de rigueur for a college student
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of messiness
Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 18 July 2025
In its equilibrium, a good tomato sandwich is juicy and unctuous and appropriately messy, which is praise all-too-often reserved for hot sandwiches like cheesesteaks or patty melts.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
Jill Scott gave us permission…and the roadmap to be soft and strong, sacred and sensual, messy and magical.
—Essence, 17 July 2025
Food and Water Bowls This dishwasher safe food and water bowl set comes with a detachable, non-slip silicone mat for messy eaters.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for messiness
Adjective
Roll your sleeves up because life is about to get extra messy!
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 18 July 2025
In its equilibrium, a good tomato sandwich is juicy and unctuous and appropriately messy, which is praise all-too-often reserved for hot sandwiches like cheesesteaks or patty melts.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
Jill Scott gave us permission…and the roadmap to be soft and strong, sacred and sensual, messy and magical.
—Essence, 17 July 2025
Food and Water Bowls This dishwasher safe food and water bowl set comes with a detachable, non-slip silicone mat for messy eaters.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for messiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messiness
Noun
-
The Twins approached the deadline in fourth place, six games under .500, 12 games out in the division, a fragile mess.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Scientists have spent decades puzzling over potatoes’ origin story, in large part because the plants’ genetics are a bit of a mess, Ek Han Tan, a plant geneticist at the University of Maine who wasn’t involved in the study, told me.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
His lifestyle became chaotic and dangerous, riddled with violence and crime.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
-
Things got a little chaotic and dangerous when a rogue wheel momentarily became the star of a monster truck show.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
These transitions often come with chaos and packed schedules.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Fans can look forward to rapid-fire questions, unexpected moments, and plenty of chaos alongside the rest of the lineup, which includes Hannah Berner, Kaitlyn Bristowe and Stassi Schroeder.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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But instead of looking shapeless or sloppy, Klum proves this formula can be quite modern and stylish when done with classic basics like a white shirt and jeans.—
Emma Mehl,
Glamour,
23 July 2025
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His hair’s not looking all sloppy in the morning anymore.—
Alyssa Cooper
July 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 July 2025
Noun
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In jumbles of old stones that, to me, are barely legible as the remains of buildings, Cocon López could see the entire timeline of old Aké and how later people interacted with and repurposed what came before.—
Lizzie Wade,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 May 2025
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Instead, voters themselves are jumbles of competing and sometimes contradictory interests.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Amad’s hat-trick against Southampton in mid-January gave evidence of his attacking form when playing at wing-back; making late runs into the opposition area and causing havoc.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
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Whether battling at the plate, creating havoc on the basepaths or chasing down a fly ball in the outfield, Simpson has created many thrilling moments for Rays fans.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
Adjective
-
The moment of truth arrived when Adams FaceTimed Phillips— initially confused and skeptical about her whereabouts.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
25 July 2025
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Ferguson said teammates are more confused than upset.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Noun
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The move sparked anxiety, confusion and intense pushback from public school districts and advocates nationwide.—
Rachel Wegner,
The Tennessean,
27 July 2025
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Anxious confusion creeps in when the Virgo moon triggers Uranus.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Messiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messiness. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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