as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
having a messy room is virtually de rigueur for a college student
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of messy
Not to mention the fact that Nikki’s cosmically forced devotion to Bear feels about as genuine, and therefore as rewarding, as a relationship with an AI chatbot, only a whole lot messier.
—
Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 May 2026
His hair was not quite bedhead messy, but not necessarily camera-ready smooth either.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
The settlement came just weeks before the messy case was set to go to trial in New York.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 13 May 2026
The outdoor sofa is 40% off, plus an extra 10% off with the Memorial Weekend sale, and is also kid-friendly, according to Bakkila, who has had this piece tested by her messy, snack-loving 15-month-old.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for messy
Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 May 2026
His hair was not quite bedhead messy, but not necessarily camera-ready smooth either.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
The settlement came just weeks before the messy case was set to go to trial in New York.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 13 May 2026
The outdoor sofa is 40% off, plus an extra 10% off with the Memorial Weekend sale, and is also kid-friendly, according to Bakkila, who has had this piece tested by her messy, snack-loving 15-month-old.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for messy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messy
Adjective
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His earliest mature paintings, often filled with snarling creatures arranged in chaotic formations, started to include monochromatic backgrounds that became a staple in his art.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
11 May 2026
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Alongside the duo’s elevation, the raging crowds for Yeat’s live shows became both electric and chaotic.—
Miki Hellerbach,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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These Amazon finds are made for petite travelers who want to stay comfortable without defaulting to sloppy sweats.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
-
Spurs seemed to run out of energy and their passing became sloppy.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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When The Worm’s Cannon Fires Velvet worms are nocturnal hunters that move through leaf litter, rotting logs and other cluttered, low-light environments.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
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The dusty brown scrapbook, long presumed lost but recently unearthed in the back of a cluttered closet, filled in some of the answers.—
John Ficarra,
Washington Post,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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The new districts and their boundaries have even confused candidates and their campaign staffers.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
9 May 2026
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Marna, seemingly confused, asked if the message was meant for her.—
Jessica Mathews,
Fortune,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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In the past, her songs were so littered with personal details that listening felt voyeuristic.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
31 Mar. 2026
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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
Adjective
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Tidy Food Storage Containers The same can be said for the food storage containers that can easily become a jumbled mess in the cabinet.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Apr. 2026
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The 49ers’ defensive depth chart isn’t as jumbled after this draft as last year’s, and more impact players could arrive before training camp or the season opener in Australia.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Inside, filthy soldiers press up against the wood.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
12 May 2026
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Baker said while Fike's immediate surroundings were filthy, a brand-new hospital bed, urinal and wheelchair were available at the home.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Messy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messy. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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