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
Relevance
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
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 sloppy
The lead shortened due to sloppy play and a lapse in defense from the Libs.
—
Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
Los Alamitos tied the game in the third due to some sloppy defense from the Eagles.
—Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 23 May 2025
The first half was sloppy, with both teams unable to take control of the game or create genuine goal chances.
—David Close, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
José had sent it as a freebie after Akasha complained about sloppy packaging on previous bark orders and threatened to switch to a new source in Peru.
—Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
Los Alamitos tied the game in the third due to some sloppy defense from the Eagles.
—Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 23 May 2025
The first half was sloppy, with both teams unable to take control of the game or create genuine goal chances.
—David Close, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
José had sent it as a freebie after Akasha complained about sloppy packaging on previous bark orders and threatened to switch to a new source in Peru.
—Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sloppy
Adjective
-
The plating was a little messy on a few dishes during my visit.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2025
-
The real world can be messy, and issues will occasionally come up that are out of your control.—
Egor Karpovich,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
Residents say the chaotic clashes between federal immigration authorities and protesters on Saturday left them shaken.—
Nathan Solis,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
-
One of the most prolific voice actors in the business, Baker has made a career out of bringing animals, creatures, and the occasional chaotic alien to life.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
As school years around the country wind down, many students have been paying tribute to their own Miss Honey-esque teachers on TikTok, using the voiceover and the sentimental music that goes with it to introduce educators who made a difference in their lives each year.—
Kate Hogan,
People.com,
6 June 2025
-
One user posted a sentimental goodbye to their standard matcha latte cream top order at Maru.—
Lauren Ng,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
The other near certainty in Lead Actor should be Gary Oldman, who anchors Slow Horses with a slovenly charisma that is, against all odds, deeply watchable.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
24 May 2025
-
Related Stories The movie O’Neil has put together out of this footage, which premiered last night at Cannes, is by any real-world standard a slovenly and undisciplined piece of work.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Justice Department similarly told the Supreme Court that some lower courts are confused about how to evaluate multiple IQ tests under Supreme Court rules for what counts as cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
-
It’s become the subject of much conversation at Variety, and Erickson is similarly confused.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
The unique gel texture sets into a lightweight veil that feels comfortable and stays put, so there’s no pillow staining or sticky residue.—
Marie Lodi,
Allure,
2 June 2025
-
Neanderthals made and used wooden spears, cared for their fellow community members, made sticky tar and other adhesives, and butchered massive elephants, among other feats.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2025
-
Once the cleaning process is complete, wipe the shoes with a clean, wet rag to eliminate any remaining dirt, debris, or cleaning solution.—
Maryal Miller Carter,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
The goldendoodle named Bruno is crossbreed of a golden retriever and a poodle, and is known to have unique fur—loose curls and sometimes shaggy.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 June 2025
-
The bison’s large, hump-like shoulder, shaggy fur, and thick mane distinguish it from the smoother-coated buffalo.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sloppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sloppy. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share