MUSS Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

muss 1 of 2

noun

ˈməs

Definition of muss

as in mess

a state in which everything is out of order careful planning had eliminated most of the muss that usually accompanies a move to a new house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

muss

2 of 2

verb

as in to disrupt

to undo the proper order or arrangement of the wind mussed up my hair

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 muss

Noun

Nineteen even-strength saves, five power-play saves, no muss, no fuss. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026 Related Articles Indulging in books and nooks No muss, no fuss houseplants? — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025

Verb

The Meta boss appeared in a dark suit and gray tie, his signature chestnut curls slightly mussed, darting occasional nervous looks at the jury and the 20-year-old plaintiff, who sat in the courtroom gallery. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026 Malleable and with a matte finish, when worked through the hair, this white paste keeps flyaways at bay, musses up the ends of short cuts, and sculpts amazing second-day texture. — Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for muss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for muss

Noun

Earlier this month, a judge said the entire mess was too misleading to put before voters.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Four years to the week after inheriting the mess of a 5-2 defeat at Oxford, Keegan’s latest signing Faustino Asprilla made his debut at Middlesbrough.

— Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of mess

Verb

Afternoon or evening exercise can improve strength, reduce stress, and lower injury risk, but intense sessions could disrupt sleep.

— Health Editorial Team, HEALTH, 27 Aug. 2026
Changing weather patterns also disrupt plant biology, deplete water infrastructure, and increase operating costs.

— Jonathan Destler, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of disrupt

Noun

National Treasure 3 has been long discussed but remained in development hell for almost two full decades.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
For six years and five seasons, Netflix’s treasure-hunting drama Outer Banks has put its North Carolina teens through absolute hell just to keep viewers hooked.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of hell

Verb

Now investors are wondering whether the bond market’s unease is strong enough to disturb a booming stock market.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
As a parent who has purchased my share of scary Halloween costumes, I was particularly disturbed by the controversy now engulfing Target.

— Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of disturb

Noun

His worldview has brought nothing but havoc to Americans, whereas Parton provided a guidebook for a national redemption.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
After a stop in the NFL, former Mississippi tight end Dae’Quan Wright could be heading to LSU thanks to a court order that is creating havoc throughout college sports by allowing Wright and others an unexpected fifth year of eligibility.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of havoc

Verb

Since Brian Schottenheimer lasted six years, from 2006 until 2011, the Jets have shuffled through 10 offensive coordinators (including Reich), and none lasted for more than two seasons.

— Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
The line shuffles forward quickly, and my heart knots in my chest as Heartfillers are dosed to each person up ahead.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of shuffle

Verb

The unnamed species was apparently a victim of a creature known as a Manhunter — not to be confused with the cartoons’ friendly, green, Oreo-munching Martian Manhunter.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
While preparing to enter the state in February, Buc-ee’s sued the northern Ohio holding company for Mickey Mart gas stations, arguing its Mickey the Moose logo could be confused with Buc-ee.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of confuse

Browse Nearby Words

muskrat

muss

mussed

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Style

“Muss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muss. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of muss

noun

verb

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