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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of messy
Amid the boom of bombshell hair comes Kristen Stewart and her messy bangs.
—
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Her hair is pulled into a low, messy bun.
—Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
The final Mercury retrograde of 2025 is the messiest.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 6 Nov. 2025
Known for creating characters with humor and relatable, often dramatic, storylines, McMillan has had to live some of her own drama in the public eye, including a messy divorce.
—Essence, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for messy
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Her hair is pulled into a low, messy bun.
—Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
The final Mercury retrograde of 2025 is the messiest.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 6 Nov. 2025
Known for creating characters with humor and relatable, often dramatic, storylines, McMillan has had to live some of her own drama in the public eye, including a messy divorce.
—Essence, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for messy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messy
Adjective
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Paul’s chaotic yet candid nature quickly uplifted her to reality TV icon status, so much so that ABC named her their next star of The Bachelorette.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
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Dispatch recordings from firefighters who were first on the scene at Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra’s home early Thursday reveal a chaotic and fast-moving fire that left crews scrambling to find water and to contain the spreading flames.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The soft knit fabric drapes just right, giving that relaxed vibe without looking sloppy.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
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Practice had been a bit a sloppy at times, but San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher had a wide smile anyway Thursday afternoon.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Too many pillows can appear cluttered.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Nov. 2025
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Outside the home, Axiom technicians will evaluate landscape conditions to assess the potential for pest activity; examples include yards with cluttered landscaping, loose debris, wood piles, or standing water.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Prince Harry's hat choice confused fans, who believed the royal should have been rooting for the Toronto Blue Jays due to Canada’s link to the United Kingdom.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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George Catts, the city council’s agricultural commissioner who led the parade atop his horse, was confused.—
Patrick Salland,
Kansas City Star,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The series does not touch on the tabloid attention that followed the Beckhams in 2004, when it was alleged that David had an affair with his personal assistant, Rebecca Loos, and the many further accusations of cheating that littered gossip columns after.—
Scarlett Harris,
Time,
9 Oct. 2025
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Cigarette butts are the most littered item on the planet.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But the jumbled conference situation leaves nobody knowing where things stand with three weeks left.—
Erick Smith,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
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Advertisement Someone with aphasia might have difficulty forming full sentences, instead repeating jumbled words, or will start slurring.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The couple slept on a filthy mattress on the floor with their 4-year-old son, Stephano.—
Daniel Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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The big comedy set pieces overwhelm Miller’s attempts at satire, but any movie that has Nicholson casually dropping filthy double (and single) entendres beneath arched eyebrows is worth a look.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Messy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messy. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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