mess 1 of 2

Definition of messnext
1
2
3
as in sight
something unpleasant to look at the car was a mess after the accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

mess

2 of 2

verb

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 mess
Noun
Letting your jewelry turn into a tangled mess of necklaces, earrings, and rings. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 The bottle even features a pointed nozzle for a precise, mess-free application. Jailynn Taylor, InStyle, 25 June 2026
Verb
Ships, like airplanes, are designed with fluid dynamics in mind, and biofoul seriously messes that up. David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 Don’t mess with success anymore. Andrew Lack, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess
Noun
  • The beloved southern elephant seal, Neil the Seal, is back in Tasmania, causing havoc yet again and garnering fans through his antics.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Those same issues have ships and planes on high alert in the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict across the region is causing havoc for civilian applications like ride-hailing and food delivery.
    Mariam Sorond, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • After that unfortunate meal, however, the group basically gets along for the rest of the day trip.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 July 2026
  • Two wineries, one village meal and one archaeological stop in a day is enough.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The route starts with the more popular south-shore sights, then grows quieter after Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, continuing into the East Fjords and northern Iceland.
    Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Scientists cannot agree on how this shift from nonlife to life, or abiogenesis, happened, but some have turned their sights on trying it out for themselves in the lab.
    Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Lithium batteries often maintain more consistent performance throughout their charge cycle, a trait that may be noticeable when tackling hills or carrying heavier loads.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • This leads to higher fungal loads.
    Ana V. Longo, The Conversation, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Negrón also referred to the Justice Department and its Office of Government Ethics, the findings of an internal investigation led by the economic development agency against two government officials, who are accused of interfering in the process for an auction of a contract involving federal funds.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 June 2026
  • The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America undertake to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs.
    NPR Staff, NPR, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Flying straight from the merry Riverlands into the somber halls of Dragonstone is one hell of a comedown, but Daemon never struggles to access his dark side.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • Avery met his wife Sally Michael–a hell of an artist in her own right–in Cape Ann and the couple honeymooned there in 1926 before moving to New York and meeting Gottlieb and Rothko.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Owners Monica Quinto and Anyelo Farfán channel their Mexico City upbringing into the menu with massive tacos, chicharrón de queso, and family salsa recipes.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • McDonald's went all out with another fan-favorite item this summer, as its Fried Apple Pie returned to the menu for the first time in 34 years.
    Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Both O’Flynn and Rhys have had spotlight episodes so far this season, but will Emmys voters see the pathos and creativity behind the laughs and frights?
    William Earl, Variety, 11 June 2026
  • Copyright 2025, all frights reserved.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mess. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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