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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
While the reserved pair are certainly happy, Francesca’s realization that their physical bond might not be up to snuff continues to haunt her, tipping into her emotional state, which continues to be mussed by John’s vivacious cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza).
—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
Weather forecast Your hair’s going to get mussed for your social media posts.
—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
While the reserved pair are certainly happy, Francesca’s realization that their physical bond might not be up to snuff continues to haunt her, tipping into her emotional state, which continues to be mussed by John’s vivacious cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza).
—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for muss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muss
Noun
-
The reason can be explained by a Japanese proverb about the importance of leaving no mess.
-
Clean high-traffic areas or rooms where pets and kids tend to cause messes more frequently.
Verb
-
The fires also disrupted travel across parts of Miami-Dade County.
-
Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and health conditions like metabolic bone disease can disrupt bone remodeling, leading to weaker bones over time.
Noun
-
Flying straight from the merry Riverlands into the somber halls of Dragonstone is one hell of a comedown, but Daemon never struggles to access his dark side.
-
Avery met his wife Sally Michael–a hell of an artist in her own right–in Cape Ann and the couple honeymooned there in 1926 before moving to New York and meeting Gottlieb and Rothko.
Verb
-
He was particularly disturbed by administration officials' attempts to characterize both as domestic terrorists.
-
The appeal is largely practical, since powders travel well in a bag, don’t leave hands greasy and can be dusted on without disturbing whatever’s already on your skin.
Noun
-
The beloved southern elephant seal, Neil the Seal, is back in Tasmania, causing havoc yet again and garnering fans through his antics.
-
Those same issues have ships and planes on high alert in the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict across the region is causing havoc for civilian applications like ride-hailing and food delivery.
Verb
-
As soon as the game wrapped up, those guests shuffled out, and hours later were replaced by a rowdier group ordering shots at the bar, dancing to 2000s hits in front of the DJ booth and smoking vape pens on the outdoor patio.
-
Pretoria responded to the threat of violence in June 30 protests with millions of dollars shuffled inside the police budget, tactical units deployed, and soldiers on standby.
Noun
-
Arches and natural bridges sweep like buttresses from jumbles of rock, giving this landscape a mystical, cathedral-like quality.
-
Macaroons are chewy jumbles of coconut bound together with egg whites and sweetened condensed milk.
Verb
-
The decision reverses a June 15 determination by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher, who concluded the Petersburg resident's candidacy was intended to confuse voters rather than represent a legitimate campaign.
-
The senator and allies, including the National Republican Senatorial Committee, have condemned the challenger’s efforts to join the race, arguing his presence could confuse voters.
Cite this Entry
“Muss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muss. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
