as in mess
a state in which everything is out of order
a professional chef would not tolerate such messiness in the kitchen
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 messiness
The questions that rape victims tend to face don’t allow for the kind of messiness that accompanies violation.
—
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025
Super Pedestrian is loose and fun in an untight world — pop-rock banger after banger about the messiness of life in your early twenties, navigating situationships, and combatting post-pandemic ennui.
—Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025
Its messiness becomes a virtue.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Counting Crows remind us of a time when vulnerability and messiness were part of the deal.
—Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025
The Lifetime network leans into relationship messiness and second chances, with stories about family expectations, old friendships, and unlikely romances.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 17 Dec. 2025
Brat is, of course, the 2024 album by Charli XCX which celebrated hedonism, messiness and unapologetic partying.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
You’re being asked to soften, to laugh more at the messiness of life, and to stop trying to spreadsheet your healing.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 30 Nov. 2025
What no one wants at any family holiday table is bitterness, mental illness, or unresolved substance messiness.
—Cathie Beck, Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messiness
Noun
-
Weekend Home Deals Keep your home clean and tidy with fabric storage bags, drawer organizers, and a Shark steam mop that effortlessly removes grime, sticky messes, and more debris from hard floors.—
-
Using the wrong pan can affect cooking time, texture, and appearance—cookies may spread too much, cakes may bake unevenly, or liquids may spill over the sides, making a big mess.—
Noun
-
Later, Venezuelans fled economic chaos and lawlessness under the repressive regimes of Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.—
-
The sun in Capricorn dictates a show that speaks to the need for order in times of chaos, as well as the hierarchy of the mob family and the rules required to be a member.—
Noun
-
The result also spotlights conference championships’ awkward fit in the current system, particularly given the fact that conference expansion has led to jumbles atop each league’s standings.—
-
Ray’s most chaotic photograms—jumbles that push out of the frame or look like time bombs ready to explode—find echoes in his films, projected on the back walls, a show in themselves.—
Noun
-
Max wreaks some more havoc after the excursion by gunning it on the tender while towing guests on the tube.—
-
Police officers stationed downtown that night quickly apprehended Edgar amid the havoc of the crowd fleeing for their lives.—
Noun
-
Multiple helpers can slow response during urgent scams and create confusion when fast decisions matter.—
-
The category confusion continued this year.—
Noun
-
They were doomed to perish in the fires of hell.—
-
Shown with a gun in hand and looking disheveled, Creasy seems like he’s been through hell and back.—
Cite this Entry
“Messiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messiness. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
