mess with

phrase

Synonyms of mess with

: to deal with (someone) in a way that may cause anger or violence

He's not someone you want to mess with.

: to be involved with (someone or something) that may cause problems

I don't have time to mess with all these changes.

: to handle something in a careless way

Stop messing with my phone.

Examples of mess with in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Other factors, such as genetics, environment and physical health, can mess with our sleep cycles, too. — Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026 In the past, vetting drivers and knowing clients was a key part of protecting shipments and ensuring they weren’t intercepted by bad actors bent on messing with the logistics. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026 Some power markets also set prices based on future demand so… There are lots of ways these projects could mess with your electricity bill. — Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026 Lawson was then seen frantically messing with the right side of his pants and holding a dark object in his right hand, police said. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mess with

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of mess with was in 1880

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Mess with.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mess%20with. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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mess with

phrase

Examples of mess with in a Sentence

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