as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
having a messy room is virtually de rigueur for a college student
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 messy
As with many watercolors, his interpretation of one of the 20th century’s most recognizable moments was messy, but beautiful.
—
Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Jan. 2025
For the casual outing, the Spencer star, 34, styled her mane, which was bleached to a vibrant nearly platinum hue, in a messy bun.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
The decision by social media networks to move away from fact-checking will further complicate an already messy media context.
—Richard Edelman, TIME, 19 Jan. 2025
But developing rockets is a dangerous and messy business.
—Robert A. Kopack, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for messy 
Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Jan. 2025
For the casual outing, the Spencer star, 34, styled her mane, which was bleached to a vibrant nearly platinum hue, in a messy bun.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
The decision by social media networks to move away from fact-checking will further complicate an already messy media context.
—Richard Edelman, TIME, 19 Jan. 2025
But developing rockets is a dangerous and messy business.
—Robert A. Kopack, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for messy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messy
Adjective
-
The series shows what life is really like for the Baldwins — chaotic, funny, exhausting and filled with love.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Jan. 2025
-
The playful jab sets a humorous tone for what’s sure to be a chaotic day of competition and drama.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The fabric is breathable and lightweight without feeling thin or flimsy and the fit is slightly oversized, which gives it a relaxed and casual look that isn’t sloppy.—
Megan Schaltegger,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Jan. 2025
-
In the week leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration, a brief but sloppy food fight broke out between the Trump team and the outgoing Biden administration over who deserves credit for finalizing a cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip.—
Noah Rothman,
National Review,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Those friends are now left angry, confused and with a stinging loss.—
Ellen Moynihan,
New York Daily News,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Many customers are confused about high-yield savings Confusion abounds.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA TODAY,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Lamine Yamal’s filthy turn for the second goal (above) let football shine through the politics for a second.—
Phil Hay,
The Athletic,
9 Jan. 2025
-
In the earlier seasons of the show, characters were often filthy, caked with dirt and blood, clothes tattered.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
11 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to messy
Thesaurus Entries Near messy
Cite this Entry
“Messy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messy. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share