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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mess
Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2025
The design features an odor neutralizer that leaves your home smelling fresh and LED headlights to reveal hidden messes.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Ars Technica, 10 Feb. 2025
In today’s episode, Wesley sits down with Linda to discuss the health risks of relaxers, the hair icons that messed them both up and the culture surrounding hair relaxing that keeps people using these products.
—Linda Villarosa Paula Szuchman, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mess
Noun
The other economic news is that, despite the chaotic tariff mess Trump has created, at least 75 countries and groups, such as the European Union, want to negotiate.
—Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2025
The design features an odor neutralizer that leaves your home smelling fresh and LED headlights to reveal hidden messes.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
Almost all these variants messed a little too much with the careful balance of simplicity, readability, reasoning, and luck that made the original Minesweeper so addictive.
—Ars Technica, 10 Feb. 2025
In today’s episode, Wesley sits down with Linda to discuss the health risks of relaxers, the hair icons that messed them both up and the culture surrounding hair relaxing that keeps people using these products.
—Linda Villarosa Paula Szuchman, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess
Noun
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Several studies have found that polyphenols, especially tannins, can also play havoc with your iron supplement.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2025
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The pandemic though wrought havoc on student achievement, with many learning gaps remaining nearly five years after schools first closed.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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All meal prices will be raised by 3%, according to the contract renewal agreements with the two providers.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2025
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Goswami is heading to the homeless shelter Bridge to Home, a 15-minute drive away in Santa Clarita, with 40-plus gourmet meals, straight from the set of NCIS.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Kyle and Kamilla are back at it With nary an ally in sight, the butt doctor seemed like a goner, but Kyle and Kamilla were up to their sneaky tricks again.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Here's how the stock market reacted after Trump announced import tariffs Trump's tariff chart, mapped Bitcoin at record highs, sets sights on $100,000 Contributing: Jessica Guynn Kinsey Crowley is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Moreover, the reason politicians may want to interfere in monetary policy is that low interest rates remain a potent, quick method to boost an economy.—
Ana Carolina Garriga,
The Conversation,
18 Apr. 2025
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Reigns returned in March to interfere in a cage match between Rollins and Punk.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Immigrant women describe 'hell on earth' in ICE detention The Trump administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
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Despite being perpetually stuck in cap hell, the New Orleans Saints have had a relatively productive offseason.—
Arick Wierson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The deal is limited to five free menu items per transaction and is subject to availability.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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The menu includes the family’s signature pizzas and pasta, chicken and seafood entrees, stromboli, calzones, appetizers, soups and salads, and special lunch offerings.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Objects are often askew and out of frame, and everyday sounds like a toilet flush or blinds being pulled assume a low, staticky growl, as though frights fueled by childish imagination.—
Gayle Sequeira,
Vulture,
20 Jan. 2025
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In a second Instagram Stories post, the singer offered another look at the cake, featuring a large bust of a clicker, the fungal zombie-esque frights from the Last of Us video game franchise and HBO series of the same name.—
Gil Macias,
People.com,
13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The downgrading of the talks comes at a critical time, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington could walk away if there was no progress on a deal soon.—
Elizabeth Piper,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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Since being announced last April, about half of the films on the list are available now in the U.S. or are coming soon, either through traditional distro deals or bespoke rollouts.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
23 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 2025.
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