as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
a tousled pile of yarn and material scraps at the bottom of her craft box
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in disrupted
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
his grandfather would always tousle the boy's neatly combed hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tousled
Adjective
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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 -
That mix of vulnerability, humor, and diplomacy is classic Angela: unbothered but not detached, direct but never messy.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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After a season disrupted by injuries and fewer starts, the writing was on the wall.—
Julia Ranney,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Behind the scenes there was no doubt other dreams were dashed and processes disrupted.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Monday's event was the latest congressional town hall to get chaotic.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2025
-
As a governance matter, some investors complained that the pivots are too chaotic.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Many people get confused by these forms which contain code and jargon that rarely offer a clear explanation of anything.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Many were left confused as to how or why the Yankees couldn't have matched that number to bring the Gold Glove first baseman to the Bronx.—
Gord Magill,
Newsweek,
21 Dec. 2024
Verb
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For more on Marvel Rivals, our in-depth guides cover the best Vanguard, Duelist, and Strategist characters, which are due to get shuffled thanks to the arrival of the new heroes.—
Kevin Lynn,
Newsweek,
6 Jan. 2025
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Stop Scripting Development Employees need to grow into opportunities, not be shuffled into roles.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Hashing things out with his tech wizard brother-in-law Maury (a shaggy Guy Pearce), Karsh wonders if ecological protesters or religious groups or competitors are upset with his global expansion plans, which include a lava field in Iceland.—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Even the guards appeared to be disturbed.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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These five destinations show that sharing the shore with animals can be calm, safe and memorable for the right reasons when animals aren’t fed or disturbed.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Trump administration has been accused of being sloppy in selecting its targets for arrest and deportation, with critics accusing them of relying on tattoo symbols and clothing to make their allegations of gang affiliation.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
21 Apr. 2025
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Given publicly available information and pages of corrections Tyler provided to the reporters, the editorial board’s commentary is at best sloppy.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Tousled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tousled. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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