slovenly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈslə-vən-lē How to pronounce slovenly (audio)
Definition of slovenlynext
as in sloppy
lacking neatness in dress or person for the sake of their image, the band members transformed themselves from clean-cut lads to slovenly rockers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

slovenly

2 of 2

adverb

ˈslə-vən-lē How to pronounce slovenly (audio)
as in sloppily
in a careless or unfashionable manner an employee who went overboard on dress-down day and was reprimanded for dressing slovenly on the job

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 slovenly
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 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, 24 Dec. 2024
Adverb
It’s cropped with puffy sleeves that land at or above the wrist instead of hanging slovenly over your hands. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slovenly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slovenly
  1. sloppy
  2. sloppily
  3. wrinkled
  4. chaotically
  5. shaggy
  6. unkempt
  7. untidy
  8. messy
Adjective
  • Two innings later, the Dodgers took the lead again, rewarded for hard contact as the Brewers’ defense showed its first signs of sloppy play.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The pair seemed prepared and methodical—not sloppy carousers but people with a plan.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of sloppy
Adverb
  • The last episode ended with Heather sloppily approaching Lisa while Lisa’s Ultimate Girls Trip buddies hovered on the sidelines, ready to defend their new friend.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Family members of patients noticed the nurse sloppily taking out IV needles but were afraid to confront her.
    — Alexandra Byrne, STAT, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sloppily
Adjective
  • Participants with wet but non-wrinkled fingers required significantly more force to maintain the same hold; their hands were working harder to do less.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while wrinkled leaves can point to underwatering.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of wrinkled
Adverb
  • Over time, the tags fall off or attach chaotically, meaning tags are inconsistent between cells and genes start turning on unpredictably.
    — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Sometimes, an object moving chaotically can become trapped into following a fractal-like path forever.
    — Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of chaotically
Adjective
  • The world could use more shaggy hangouts and layered mysteries, let alone series that manage to be both at the same time.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Using a wooden spoon or the stand mixer, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
    — Hali Bey Ramdene, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of shaggy
Adjective
  • With his unkempt hair and ragamuffin clothing — was that a rope holding up his pants?
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Thus far, online commentary has focussed on what the trailer reveals of the sisters’ hair, which is often undone, even unkempt.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of unkempt
Adjective
  • Pakistan was untidy in the field too with Sharma getting dropped twice and he should have been run-out before completing his half-century, while captain Shreyas Iyer also got a life when Ayub missed out his second catch.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Pruning isn’t required, but helps shape the plant, boost growth, and prevent leggy, untidy stems.
    — Heather Bien, The Spruce, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of untidy
Adjective
  • Plus, merging everything into one pot can be messy; One partner may be paying off student loans while the other is debt-free with a pristine credit history.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Bears have a messy QB situation but the defense has been mostly good.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of messy

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Cite this Entry

“Slovenly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slovenly. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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