1
as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
an unkempt and cluttered room
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sloppy
lacking neatness in dress or person
the stereotype of the unkempt but brilliant scientist
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unkempt
Black Rabbit’s second episode trades the introductory flash-forward for a classic flashback, set in motion by a slightly less unkempt Vince, now sporting a mullet and handlebar mustache in place of his twitchy Manson look from the present timeline.
—
Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
The state police photos show a typical off-campus residence – albeit a little on the unkempt side, with cases of alcohol littering the common areas, a folding table set up for beer pong, and empty cans on the floor.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025
If Washington streets and public places are unkempt and unsafe, who will venture to go there?
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
Most wine lovers know that the word Sauvignon comes from the French word sauvage and the word blanc simply means white, but most people don’t know the reason is because when untrained vines of the variety have a distinctly unkempt appearance.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for unkempt
Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
The state police photos show a typical off-campus residence – albeit a little on the unkempt side, with cases of alcohol littering the common areas, a folding table set up for beer pong, and empty cans on the floor.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025
If Washington streets and public places are unkempt and unsafe, who will venture to go there?
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
Most wine lovers know that the word Sauvignon comes from the French word sauvage and the word blanc simply means white, but most people don’t know the reason is because when untrained vines of the variety have a distinctly unkempt appearance.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for unkempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unkempt
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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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
Adjective
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But, true to the chaotic and improvisational nature of his medium, the screening was delayed by about 25 minutes as Speed wrapped things up and attendees were corralled to their seats with buckets of kettle corn and hard Topo Chicos.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
5 Oct. 2025
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Some have turned chaotic, with protesters clashing with authorities.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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Cigarette butts are the most littered item on the planet.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Trying to expose the trafficking, abuse, and the filthy networks that protect the wealthy and powerful puts you in danger.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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Unitree claims that the G1 is made to handle difficult, filthy, and repetitive jobs in a variety of settings, including at homes, factories, and hospitals.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But having a lineup of bottles and jars on the counter looks a little untidy.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
3 Aug. 2025
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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
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Some investors were confused that the draft rules published Wednesday evening still contained references to a foreign ownership cap that was set to be amended.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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On city streets, a confused robotaxi can just pull over.—
Saahil Desai,
The Atlantic,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unkempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unkempt. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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