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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Washable Orthopedic Dog Bed A versatile, waterproof dog bed mat that’s great for crates, travel and high-mess pups.

— Jessica Moore, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
Be careful to not use too much, or you’ll be left with a soapy mess.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of mess

Verb

Bondele was among hundreds of Ebola response workers in Bunia who staged strikes and protests over unpaid wages in recent weeks, at times abandoning health facilities and disrupting parts of the response as the outbreak continued to spread.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
And maybe some Gen Zers are undersocialized and under-prepared after their education was disrupted by a global pandemic.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of disrupt

Noun

By this point in the Tom Holland era, the idea of the multiverse had been introduced and popularized — hell, the Spider-Man franchise already centered it in Into the Spider-Verse three years prior.

— Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Aug. 2026
The game is also not easy; there’s a lot of bullet hell here, and many rooms are tight and filled with hazards and enemies.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026

Definition of hell

Verb

Burke’s friends and acquaintances who spoke with Rolling Stone were similarly disturbed.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
China’s introduction of a common buying agency has disturbed what has been an evenly balanced relationship which has sometimes favored one side over the other, but which eventually finds equilibrium.

— Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of disturb

Noun

Iran has aimed significant firepower at its neighbors’ refineries, oil exports and tourist attractions, inflicting economic havoc on the Gulf states and the countries that do business with them.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
This can create a tricky situation if those roots are causing havoc around your home’s foundation or otherwise disrupting your landscaping.

— Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of havoc

Verb

The results indicated continued progress in CVS' broader turnaround plan, which has involved cutting $2 billion in costs, closing underperforming stores, shuffling leadership and reducing costs within Medicare Advantage plans.

— Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
Few heads turn despite her tall, unmistakable frame shuffling across the floor.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of shuffle

Verb

The Studio Behind The Technology Annapurna Studios (not to be confused with the Megan Ellison-founded Annapurna Pictures in Hollywood) has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for half a century.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
But there is the risk that his strategy will backfire by confusing investors.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of muss

noun

verb

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