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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of mess
Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
The costumes were as threadbare as the plot, and the acting was a complete mess.
—Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2025
And to fill that space, fill it beautifully, not take up that space and mess it up in a sense.
—Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mess
Noun
But the board just doesn’t seem to be able to bring itself to criticize the ones truly responsible for initiating the current mess!
—Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
The costumes were as threadbare as the plot, and the acting was a complete mess.
—Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
Trim overhanging limbs and relocate furniture to avoid popular bird perches that drop messes onto your patio.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2025
And to fill that space, fill it beautifully, not take up that space and mess it up in a sense.
—Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess
Noun
-
According to news reports, they were not allowed to land at O’Hare airport due to the authorities’ concern that their presence, and the associated fan attention, might play havoc on airport operations.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
-
In Nigeria, Boko Haram and other militia groups have been spreading havoc and targeting anyone who does not subscribe to their interpretation of Islam.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
There was no Aristotelian arc in this meal, no central main dish.—
Lauren Groff,
The Atlantic,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Securing reservations in advance of a stay is a smart move to enjoy both the meal and the show.—
Margaux Lushing,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Like Feldman, Greenfield had his sights set on a specific role.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
This is a game where, with NASA now setting sights on redder Mars pastures, the U.S. has a roughly six-decade advantage, after the success of the Apollo program.—
Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
On Monday, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNBC that the government will not interfere in Intel’s operations.—
,
CNBC,
27 Aug. 2025
-
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,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The situation becomes actual hell after Laura dies by suicide and begins to haunt the house.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
-
It has been stuck in development hell for almost five years now, with barely any clarity on what the game is, since its mysterious and bizarre reveal trailer at the PS5 Showcase in June 2020.—
Echo Apsey,
Space.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Also on the menu: a BBQ Party Pack ($99.99) with three meats, two quarts of sides, and garlic bread.—
Marina Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Judy's Drive In Waldron's hometown classic, offering soft serve and fried pies alongside a menu of lunches and sandwiches.—
Kat Robinson RIVER VALLEY EATS,
Arkansas Online,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Well, consider that, unlike what’s happening in the world at large, the frights and delights inside Viola’s Room are actually fun.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
26 June 2025
-
Ah well, Cesare already has two sequel novels published, so there’s already plenty more Frendo the Clown frights ready to be harvested.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
The Inner Circle Fuel Day deal is available from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21.—
Marina Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Other investors have also been folded into the Paramount deal.—
Molly Davis,
The Tennessean,
22 Aug. 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 3 Sep. 2025.
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