1
as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
an unkempt and cluttered room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sloppy
lacking neatness in dress or person
the stereotype of the unkempt but brilliant scientist
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 unkempt
To Washington, a beard made a man look unkempt and slovenly, masking the higher emotions that civility required.
—
Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
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
Panleukopenia - lethargy, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, painful abdomen, dehydration, weight loss, rough or unkempt hair coat, fever, decreased to absent appetite or collapse.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unkempt
Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
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
Panleukopenia - lethargy, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, painful abdomen, dehydration, weight loss, rough or unkempt hair coat, fever, decreased to absent appetite or collapse.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unkempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unkempt
Adjective
-
But a big, beautiful, and sometimes messy public square that belongs to us all.—
Yolanda Watson Spiva,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The best heroes are beloved because their choices — admirable, messy, or otherwise — are hard ones made in service of something greater.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The soft knit fabric drapes just right, giving that relaxed vibe without looking sloppy.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Practice had been a bit a sloppy at times, but San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher had a wide smile anyway Thursday afternoon.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Paul’s chaotic yet candid nature quickly uplifted her to reality TV icon status, so much so that ABC named her their next star of The Bachelorette.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Dispatch recordings from firefighters who were first on the scene at Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra’s home early Thursday reveal a chaotic and fast-moving fire that left crews scrambling to find water and to contain the spreading flames.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Few pieces of decor are as dreamy as the ones covered in faux fur, and this shaggy beanbag chair is no exception.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
30 Oct. 2025
-
For the event, the actor returned to his shaggy crew cut in his honey blonde hue — coordinating his 'stache and all.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The series does not touch on the tabloid attention that followed the Beckhams in 2004, when it was alleged that David had an affair with his personal assistant, Rebecca Loos, and the many further accusations of cheating that littered gossip columns after.—
Scarlett Harris,
Time,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Cigarette butts are the most littered item on the planet.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The couple slept on a filthy mattress on the floor with their 4-year-old son, Stephano.—
Daniel Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The big comedy set pieces overwhelm Miller’s attempts at satire, but any movie that has Nicholson casually dropping filthy double (and single) entendres beneath arched eyebrows is worth a look.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For all their control, Chelsea remain most vulnerable when the game becomes untidy.—
Sukhman Singh,
New York Times,
1 Nov. 2025
-
Many plants, shrubs, and trees on the three-acre landscape had been ravaged by back-to-back hurricanes, while others had become overgrown and untidy.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Prince Harry's hat choice confused fans, who believed the royal should have been rooting for the Toronto Blue Jays due to Canada’s link to the United Kingdom.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
George Catts, the city council’s agricultural commissioner who led the parade atop his horse, was confused.—
Patrick Salland,
Kansas City Star,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unkempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unkempt. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share