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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sloppy
Sovereignty entered the 151st Kentucky Derby at 5-1 odds, but edged out the heavy favorite, Journalism, in a thrilling finish in muddy, sloppy conditions.
—
Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 10 May 2025
They were briefly challenged again in the fourth quarter when their offense again got sloppy — two straight shot-clock violations — and the Timberwolves pushed to within single digits, leading Redick to call another get-in-their-faces timeout with 6:16 left.
—Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
The pass from Dennis Schröder wouldn’t be as sloppy if Josh Hart didn’t get so in his face.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
My American flag for the Fourth of July was so smeared and sloppy that my attempt at patriotism could have been a felony.
—Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 10 May 2025
They were briefly challenged again in the fourth quarter when their offense again got sloppy — two straight shot-clock violations — and the Timberwolves pushed to within single digits, leading Redick to call another get-in-their-faces timeout with 6:16 left.
—Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
The pass from Dennis Schröder wouldn’t be as sloppy if Josh Hart didn’t get so in his face.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
My American flag for the Fourth of July was so smeared and sloppy that my attempt at patriotism could have been a felony.
—Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sloppy
Adjective
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Felix, a neat freak, moves in with his messy best friend Oscar following his divorce, and their relationship is put to the test — and then some.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
25 May 2025
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There, Parker stuck to her middle part, messy waves and played with pattern clashing, wearing a button-up, floral midi dress under a turquoise jacket decoarted in white polka dots.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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That two-minute sequence summed up the deficiencies and overall chaotic play.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
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The stunning image shows the classic spiral swirl of M81 — also known as Bode's Galaxy — suspended against the chaotic cloud patterns of the nebula, with the Cigar Galaxy lurking to its left.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Whether preserving the original design (like Adrienne Bailon in 2019) or creatively recycling it (as Troian Bellisario did at the 2020 Golden Globes), these sentimental pieces are finding new life.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
17 May 2025
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While the highlight of the weekend is usually the Dragon Boat Races — which have drawn competitors and crowds since 1991 — the sentimental favorite is the water lantern release onto the lake.—
Edwin Goei,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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Disappointed Steve Dear Steve: The real disappointment comes from slovenly people who throw trash onto our highways, or fail to properly secure their cargo.—
Frank Fellone,
Arkansas Online,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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The two ‘deals’ have left tariff policy more confused than ever, argues columnist Michael Hiltzik.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2025
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Pew found 55% of Republicans are confused about the information out there on climate change--but this was also true for 39% of Democrats.—
Robert G. Eccles,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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The reviews and social conversation were becoming apparent that this had inserted itself into the culture in a really sticky way.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2025
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As the Southern heat creeps up more and more, putting together an outfit that’s stylish but doesn’t leave you drenched in sweat or sticky from humidity can be a challenge.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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The upper level holds a primary suite with an ocean-view Juliet balcony, plus a separate sitting room, a walk-in closet, and a luxe bath boasting dual vanities and a wet room spotlighted by an ebony soaking tub.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
14 May 2025
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Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get muddy/wet.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Getty Images Jenner's look, on the other hand, was quite a departure from her usual sleek yet shaggy pixie.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
13 May 2025
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These were big, shaggy beasts belonging to a Toda tribe.—
Cyril E. Holland,
Outdoor Life,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sloppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sloppy. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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