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

Early on, the Pisces Moon in your 4th House of Home opposes Venus in your 10th House of Career, so family needs, private emotions, or household mess may compete with public responsibilities.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
An election is coming, and only the voters can fix this mess — at the ballot box in November.

— Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of mess

Noun

In Harrenhal, Aemond is plagued by nightmares of his (not) dead brother dragging him to hell.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 20 July 2026
After being a key to the victory of the Trojan War, Greek hero Odysseus (Matt Damon) goes to hell and back trying to get home to his wife (Anne Hathaway) and son (Tom Holland) in Nolan's brutal yet introspective adaptation of Homer's epic poem.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Definition of hell

Verb

Out of competition The world of elite sports is taken to disturbing new heights full of brutality and painful ambition in the new film from Nikias Chryssos (The Bunker, Rave On, A Pure Place).

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
When walking down the charming Main Street, you won't be disturbed by honking or traffic since the island has banned cars since 1898.

— Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Definition of disturb

Noun

Being asked to prove yourself to AI can play havoc on your confidence and ruin your chances of getting your foot in the door.

— Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
That also plays havoc with his control over his web-shooting capabilities, both the old-school organic method and the tech version built for him by Tony Stark.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026

Definition of havoc

Verb

Since 2021, he and his former financing company Creative Wealth Media, which declared bankruptcy in 2023, have been named in at least four lawsuit accusing him of shuffling investments around various entities to repay outstanding loans.

— Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
Giants manager Tony Vitello went another way, shuffling a few papers before heading up the tunnel to the home clubhouse.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of shuffle

Verb

It’s labeled in their inventory so it’s not confused for an original, but adds their own touch to their trove.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Physicians are alarmed, stressing that FDA licensing is crucial for guiding patients, as this decision risks confusing consumers about regulated versus unregulated treatments.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of muss

noun

verb

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