as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
the frantic search left the room upside-down
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 upside-down
Per the footage, she could be seen pausing between verses and lifting the mic back up to her face upside-down.
—
Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
That's thanks to knobby dual-sport tires from Ceat mated to 19-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked aluminum wheels, and upside-down front forks with long suspension travel.
—New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2025
Meanwhile, the world was turned upside-down by the coronavirus pandemic, and the global political order was upended by the growing influence of the far right.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025
Corcoran was supposed to be nude for that upside-down scene, but ultimately convinced Falcone and Leone to allow her to don briefs, the lawsuit said.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
Shake things up with an upside-down Christmas tree–and yes, this is very much a thing.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2025
In the traditional view of the upside-down flying Pegasus, both the bright and faint curved lines of stars attached to Alpheratz make up the constellation Andromeda.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
This Irish American neighborhood is famous for its quirky upside-down traffic light, where green proudly sits above red—a symbol of its defiant community spirit.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
For the prettiest upside-down cornbread, pack the onion slices into the pan tightly.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
That's thanks to knobby dual-sport tires from Ceat mated to 19-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked aluminum wheels, and upside-down front forks with long suspension travel.
—New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2025
Meanwhile, the world was turned upside-down by the coronavirus pandemic, and the global political order was upended by the growing influence of the far right.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025
Corcoran was supposed to be nude for that upside-down scene, but ultimately convinced Falcone and Leone to allow her to don briefs, the lawsuit said.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
Shake things up with an upside-down Christmas tree–and yes, this is very much a thing.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2025
In the traditional view of the upside-down flying Pegasus, both the bright and faint curved lines of stars attached to Alpheratz make up the constellation Andromeda.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
This Irish American neighborhood is famous for its quirky upside-down traffic light, where green proudly sits above red—a symbol of its defiant community spirit.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
For the prettiest upside-down cornbread, pack the onion slices into the pan tightly.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upside-down
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
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
-
But the jumbled conference situation leaves nobody knowing where things stand with three weeks left.—
Erick Smith,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Advertisement Someone with aphasia might have difficulty forming full sentences, instead repeating jumbled words, or will start slurring.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
4 Nov. 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
-
Too many pillows can appear cluttered.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Outside the home, Axiom technicians will evaluate landscape conditions to assess the potential for pest activity; examples include yards with cluttered landscaping, loose debris, wood piles, or standing water.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upside-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upside-down. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share