1
as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
a hugger-mugger presentation of the facts of the case that left everyone confused
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clandestine
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others
a tale of hugger-mugger doings and international espionage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugger-mugger
Adjective
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Doing the work of changing AI systems to respond to the White House executive order will be messy, said technologist Sahota, because where lines are drawn, and why, can initiate all sorts of political and cultural firestorms.—
Bobby Allyn,
NPR,
23 July 2025 -
Indeed, there are messy, complicated and outright mundane moments to every relationship — but those aren’t algorithmically climbing the ranks (unless the tea is piping hot, of course).—
Kameryn Griesser,
CNN Money,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Speaking with Robbie Fox on the My Mom's Basement podcast, the former WWE Champion shared the story of the clandestine meeting.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
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Even when targeting America’s enemies, not all are supportive of clandestine cyberattacks.—
Thomas Brewster,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Things got a little chaotic and dangerous when a rogue wheel momentarily became the star of a monster truck show.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
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His lifestyle became chaotic and dangerous, riddled with violence and crime.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
Adjective
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At the beginning of the season, host Alan Cumming picks the Traitors that will pit the Faithful against each other by murdering them one by one while trying to remain undercover.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
22 July 2025
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Ogles cited an undercover video obtained by conservative news website Townhall which appears to show a university employee discussing the school’s Office of Hope, Unity, and Belonging.—
Ruben Montoya,
The Tennessean,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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The bill would ban face coverings during public enforcement operations unless medically required or part of a covert investigation.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
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The human touch is also crucial for ensuring accountability with agentic AI use, particularly for security considerations like accountability and distinguishing a genuine user from a covert threat.—
Imran Aftab,
Forbes.com,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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Indeed, the trio looked filthy, and one even had a red, watery eye.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
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Sharp has long been one of New York’s filthiest comedians.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Once hidden in underground spaces, ballroom has grown accessible to broader audiences, creating a unique platform for both personal expression and social commentary.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
21 July 2025
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For example, a criminal group known as Scattered Spider recently attacked famed British retailer Marks & Spencer, allegedly using solutions purchased on underground forums.—
Damon Fleury,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Spelman will be cremated in a private ceremony Thursday, his family said.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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At the Supreme Court, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas have signaled interest in taking up a case based on this novel argument against a private right of action.—
Hansi Lo Wang,
NPR,
24 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hugger-mugger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugger-mugger. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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