1
as in messy
lacking neatness in dress or person
a sloppy child who always seems to have spilled something on his clothes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
dumped the papers in a sloppy pile on the desk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
a cinematic romance with a sloppy musical score that will have audiences reaching for their handkerchiefs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sloppy
The Red Sox have been much improved in the field compared to last season, but the last few games have been sloppy, and the two errors Tuesday were costly.
—
Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
In the first, Boston was sloppy with the ball and soft on the glass, coughing up 20 turnovers while allowing 19 offensive rebounds (both season highs).
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
The Gators also got to the free throw line a whopping 27 times, and hit 25.
By catching fire from deep, Florida was able to overcome an otherwise sloppy performance.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2025
Had the veteran made sloppy errors or been at blame for any goals conceded, Farke would have been left with nowhere else to turn.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
In the first, Boston was sloppy with the ball and soft on the glass, coughing up 20 turnovers while allowing 19 offensive rebounds (both season highs).
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
The Gators also got to the free throw line a whopping 27 times, and hit 25.
By catching fire from deep, Florida was able to overcome an otherwise sloppy performance.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2025
Had the veteran made sloppy errors or been at blame for any goals conceded, Farke would have been left with nowhere else to turn.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sloppy
Adjective
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The answer turned out to be an inversion of sorts — Kate ended up with a lot of comics Clint’s beats, including Lucky, the Pizza Dog, the messy apartment, and the fun trick arrows.—
Nola Pfau,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2025
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Plus, Sherman-Palladino and Palladino were amenable to her perspective on Geneviève, an overburdened, passionate woman with a messy personal life.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Monday's event was the latest congressional town hall to get chaotic.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2025
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As a governance matter, some investors complained that the pivots are too chaotic.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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After some sentimental speeches, Bracco and Macli exchanged rings.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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The sentimental old-school racer who now sees his legacy not just in trophies, but in the people holding his hand in Victory Lane.—
Greg Engle,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Slough House is headed by the slovenly, flatulent, and frequently intoxicated Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), who routinely heaps verbal abuse on his staff but is nonetheless a brilliant spymaster in his own smelly way.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
24 Dec. 2024
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Corruption within the organization, after all, is as much a part of the show as Jackson Lamb’s slovenly habits and horrible diet.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
9 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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If readers are confused, consider yet again that Instagram could claim all of 30 million users when its acquisition was announced.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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Those who lost their Medicaid health care reported being unaware or confused about how to report work hours.—
Phil Galewitz,
NPR,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The telltale signs range from sticky, clammy skin to having moisture on your windows and walls.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
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In an interview with Fox Business on Wednesday, Dimon said rising interest rates, sticky inflation, and widening credit spreads are setting the stage for a wave of financial strain among U.S. companies.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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During a succession of poor wet seasons, the females postpone reproductive maturation up to 10 years and may produce a litter only once a decade.—
Stephen S. Hall,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
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Allowing a wet rug to sit too long can cause mold and mildew to develop.—
Tessa Cooper,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This romantically rustic wreath weaves shaggy swags of greenery with white tulips and stalks of berries, then ties it all together with a neat black-and-white bow.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2025
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Hashing things out with his tech wizard brother-in-law Maury (a shaggy Guy Pearce), Karsh wonders if ecological protesters or religious groups or competitors are upset with his global expansion plans, which include a lava field in Iceland.—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sloppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sloppy. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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