slovenly 1 of 2

slovenly

2 of 2

adverb

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
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 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 To them, flame is slovenly, backward, even atavistic, tolerable only when used for ceremonial purposes. Stephen Pyne, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024 Giraffes at least keep the water sports to themselves; their slovenly, muck-loving neighbors, on the other hand, spread the excrement far and wide. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for slovenly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slovenly
Adjective
  • The sloppy play extended beyond the penalties.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The sweater’s hip-skimming length and relaxed cut result in a fit that feels effortlessly lived-in (not sloppy), while its wear-with-anything design is easy to style.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Criticism rained down on the city from animal rights groups and residents fearful of seeing animals being sloppily butchered in broad daylight in their neighbor’s yard.
    John Carlisle, Freep.com, 31 May 2025
Adverb
  • On the other hand, some of them may be acting more rebelliously, chaotically or impulsively.
    Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The wind had a shape, pulling and yanking chaotically like ocean currents working plants on the seafloor.
    Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her soft, shaggy lob is easygoing and effortless—a departure from her past looks, which were heavy, messy-on-purpose blowouts.
    Grace McCarty, Glamour, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Halle Berry and Sabrina Elba both opted for shaggy brown haircuts; the former, a highlighted bob, and the latter, a mid-length single-tone with textured bangs.
    Essence, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The fit is snug and flattering, so there’s nothing unkempt about it, even though the vibe is casual.
    Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Proper creativity makes for unkempt spaces.
    Katie da Cunha Lewin September 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But having a lineup of bottles and jars on the counter looks a little untidy.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025
  • The untidy performance, which featured two throwing errors in the infield and a season-high five walks from Carlos Rodón, dropped the second-place Yankees to 55-45.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Between the messy decline of solar cycle 25 and the possibility of a dramatic last gasp, aurora hunters may still have their best nights ahead.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Ceiling Fixtures Most people don't climb up a ladder to dust ceiling fixtures, so this is going to be a messy job.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slovenly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slovenly. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on slovenly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!