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
Roll your sleeves up because life is about to get extra messy!
—
Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 18 July 2025
In its equilibrium, a good tomato sandwich is juicy and unctuous and appropriately messy, which is praise all-too-often reserved for hot sandwiches like cheesesteaks or patty melts.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
Jill Scott gave us permission…and the roadmap to be soft and strong, sacred and sensual, messy and magical.
—Essence, 17 July 2025
Food and Water Bowls This dishwasher safe food and water bowl set comes with a detachable, non-slip silicone mat for messy eaters.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for messy
Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 18 July 2025
In its equilibrium, a good tomato sandwich is juicy and unctuous and appropriately messy, which is praise all-too-often reserved for hot sandwiches like cheesesteaks or patty melts.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
Jill Scott gave us permission…and the roadmap to be soft and strong, sacred and sensual, messy and magical.
—Essence, 17 July 2025
Food and Water Bowls This dishwasher safe food and water bowl set comes with a detachable, non-slip silicone mat for messy eaters.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for messy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messy
Adjective
-
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
-
His lifestyle became chaotic and dangerous, riddled with violence and crime.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
Some of it is good, but a lot of it is sloppy, outdated or full of vulnerabilities.—
Jimmie Lee,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Hein was sloppy, lazy and showed a lack of impartiality in dealing with him, Hicks said in his filing.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
The moment of truth arrived when Adams FaceTimed Phillips— initially confused and skeptical about her whereabouts.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
25 July 2025
-
Ferguson said teammates are more confused than upset.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Indeed, the trio looked filthy, and one even had a red, watery eye.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
-
Sharp has long been one of New York’s filthiest comedians.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Messy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messy. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share