1
as in messy
lacking neatness in dress or person
a sloppy child who always seems to have spilled something on his clothes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
dumped the papers in a sloppy pile on the desk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
a cinematic romance with a sloppy musical score that will have audiences reaching for their handkerchiefs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sloppy
The Red Sox have been much improved in the field compared to last season, but the last few games have been sloppy, and the two errors Tuesday were costly.
—
Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
In the first, Boston was sloppy with the ball and soft on the glass, coughing up 20 turnovers while allowing 19 offensive rebounds (both season highs).
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
The Gators also got to the free throw line a whopping 27 times, and hit 25.
By catching fire from deep, Florida was able to overcome an otherwise sloppy performance.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2025
Had the veteran made sloppy errors or been at blame for any goals conceded, Farke would have been left with nowhere else to turn.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
In the first, Boston was sloppy with the ball and soft on the glass, coughing up 20 turnovers while allowing 19 offensive rebounds (both season highs).
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
The Gators also got to the free throw line a whopping 27 times, and hit 25.
By catching fire from deep, Florida was able to overcome an otherwise sloppy performance.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2025
Had the veteran made sloppy errors or been at blame for any goals conceded, Farke would have been left with nowhere else to turn.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sloppy
Adjective
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The Rise Of Squiggly Thinking: Embracing The Nonlinear So, where does that leave us clever, irrational, gloriously messy humans?—
Lee Salisbury,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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Downside: Their fall was so swift and messy that this might not be a quick turnaround — and, if the Rangers are bad again in 2025-26, a new coach might get swept out the door with GM Chris Drury.—
Scott Powers,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Viewers looked forward to their weekly check-in with Akil’s characters, who are as flawed and resilient as real people, neither Shonda levels of chaotic nor reality-TV caricatures.—
Jazmine Hughes,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
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As chaotic and entertaining as the transfer portal is, keeping star-caliber pieces in college is vital to building a truly elite team.—
Jim Root,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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After some sentimental speeches, Bracco and Macli exchanged rings.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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The sentimental old-school racer who now sees his legacy not just in trophies, but in the people holding his hand in Victory Lane.—
Greg Engle,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Slough House is headed by the slovenly, flatulent, and frequently intoxicated Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), who routinely heaps verbal abuse on his staff but is nonetheless a brilliant spymaster in his own smelly way.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
24 Dec. 2024
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Corruption within the organization, after all, is as much a part of the show as Jackson Lamb’s slovenly habits and horrible diet.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
9 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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However, the tricky part is that communications are confused, especially with family members or home repairs.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
1 May 2025
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The panel seemed confused, and Cannon seemed amused, as Lucky Duck explained that both Coral and Boogie Woogie would be safe and heading to the finale.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Rakestraw was excellent in training camp last year, showing a knack for the ball, sticky coverage and physicality in the run game.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Vionic Kimmie Sneakers $130 $60 at Amazon These Vionic sneakers have perforated suede leather uppers that provide maximum airflow to keep your feet cool on hot, sticky afternoons.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2025
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In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness. Reduce speed and drive cautiously: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Not that a show as concerned with integrity as Good Night, and Good Luck wants the superficial pulse of a thriller, but still, there’s something a touch too shaggy in its current theatricality to keep us consistently attuned to its turns and its stakes.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
4 Apr. 2025
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This romantically rustic wreath weaves shaggy swags of greenery with white tulips and stalks of berries, then ties it all together with a neat black-and-white bow.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sloppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sloppy. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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