as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
having a messy room is virtually de rigueur for a college student
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of messy
The reality is often messier and more iterative than any neat framework can capture.
—
Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
Their close friendship has been documented throughout the season, with Amanda playing a central role in encouraging West and her close friend Ciara Miller to make amends following years of tension due to their messy breakup.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
That divide may look tidy on paper, but real life is messier.
—Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Dipping the cakes in glaze is messy business.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for messy
Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
Their close friendship has been documented throughout the season, with Amanda playing a central role in encouraging West and her close friend Ciara Miller to make amends following years of tension due to their messy breakup.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
That divide may look tidy on paper, but real life is messier.
—Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Dipping the cakes in glaze is messy business.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for messy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messy
Adjective
-
The ex-con who shot NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller to death during a chaotic Queens car stop was hit Monday with the maximum sentence of 115 years to life behind bars.—
John Annese,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
With less than a year until Chicago’s next mayoral election and amid a growing field of prospective candidates, more city residents hold a dim view of incumbent Brandon Johnson than a positive one about his often-chaotic first term at City Hall, a new poll shows.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But the Pistons were sloppy with the ball and careless overall in a 94-88 loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday night, falling behind 3-1 in their first-round Eastern Conference series.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The Wolves started out sloppy with nine first-quarter turnovers and finished with 25.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Several Countertop Appliances In general, clutter does not feel timeless, and keeping every type of appliance out on the kitchen counters feels cluttered.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Between gardening supplies, sports equipment, pool toys, and grilling necessities, backyard spaces can quickly get cluttered.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Shaknovsky, 44, appeared confused as deputies pulled him from the car and handcuffed him at a busy intersection in Miramar Beach, Florida, the video shows.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
-
At the first sight of a passenger’s confused look in front of an elevator, a crew member will step in to offer assistance.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In the past, her songs were so littered with personal details that listening felt voyeuristic.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
31 Mar. 2026
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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
Adjective
-
Trust us, this works a lot better than trying to check off multiple boxes and ending up with an area that just feels jumbled.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The musical, which examines in jumbled chronology the five-year relationship between novelist Jamie and actress Cathy, debuted in Chicago in 2001 and opened off Broadway the following year.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Reach-in coolers that didn’t keep food safe from bacteria growth and utensils stored in filthy spots shut down a Miami restaurant after inspection last week.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
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Stanley dealers were not in cutthroat competition for filthy lucre.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Messy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messy. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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