1
as in havoc
a state in which everything is out of order
the bachelor party had left the house in a total mess
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in meal
food eaten or prepared for eating at one time
a mess of oatmeal
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
as in loads
a considerable amount
an unexpected Super Bowl loss that unleashed a whole mess of finger-pointing and second-guessing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to interfere
to interest oneself in what is not one's concern
please don't mess with me while I'm trying to concentrate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of mess
Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 17 July 2025
But the neighbor’s watering routine is creating a mess below.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
Anna Rowlands, Time, 12 May 2025
But, if those guys [the oligarchs] do start messing everything up, then there is really something for normal people to worry about.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mess
Noun
Prosecutors said, after the bottle and liquid was thrown at her, the older girl immediately pulled out a knife and began viciously stabbing Aliyah, plunging the knife multiple times into her head and body, leaving a bloody mess in the store and outside on the sidewalk.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 17 July 2025
But the neighbor’s watering routine is creating a mess below.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
Our frail nature, damaged by our propensity to mess things up, stands in need of grace and salvation.
—Anna Rowlands, Time, 12 May 2025
But, if those guys [the oligarchs] do start messing everything up, then there is really something for normal people to worry about.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess
Noun
-
The bacteria causing havoc for summer swimmers include E.coli and Enterococcus — nasty germs often found in the feces of people and animals.—
Shreya Srinivasan,
NBC news,
3 July 2025
-
Cilic was never in the contest because of a foot blister that was causing havoc with pain and movement, something that was imperative against the balletic Federer.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Here’s what Texas employees need to know about rest periods, meal breaks and your rights on the clock.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
-
There are dozens of places to find authentic Vietnamese cuisine here, so having at least one meal (plus some bubble tea and maybe a snack) is a prerequisite.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Conrad may have been out of sight and out of mind for Belly, but as another summer in Cousins approaches, her first love slowly starts to come back.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
The sight of its famous red masthead enclosing a scowling image of India’s leader produced a visceral reaction within the country.—
Aatish Taseer,
Time,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Nevertheless, the Obama administration ordered a new intelligence assessment claiming that Russia had interfered in the election to aid then-candidate Donald Trump.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
25 July 2025
-
Russia attempted to interfere in the 2016 presidential election in favor of Trump, according to former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's 2019 final report and a 2020 bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee assessment.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
The supervillain reveals it to the world, turning the public against Superman and making Supes’ life hell, including kidnapping his dog Krypto.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
-
But this place is something of a personal hell; Harper entered Monday with a lower OPS here than in any other National League ballpark.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The West Hollywood 24/7 drive-in has 80 Tesla charging stations and serves classic American diner food — biscuits and gravy, burgers, fries, tuna melts and milkshakes, to name a few of its menu items.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
26 July 2025
-
The Sardine Factory If the expansive seafood menu or the Michelin recognition at the Sardine Factory doesn’t impress you, then the conservatory-style dining room just might.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
Well, consider that, unlike what’s happening in the world at large, the frights and delights inside Viola’s Room are actually fun.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
26 June 2025
-
Ah well, Cesare already has two sequel novels published, so there’s already plenty more Frendo the Clown frights ready to be harvested.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
Add a pop of color to outdoor spaces or warm up your living room with our 10 favorite rug deals at Wayfair’s sale, starting at just $18.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
15 July 2025
-
Boston could try to land a star prospect or two from a contending team in a deal for Chapman.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Video
Hot Mess
Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings
Cite this Entry
“Mess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mess. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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