messy

adjective

ˈme-sē How to pronounce messy (audio)
messier; messiest
Synonyms of messynext
1
a
: marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt : untidy
a messy room
b
: likely to create a mess
a messy task/hobby
messy paint
2
: lacking neatness or precision : careless, slovenly
messy thinking
3
: extremely unpleasant or trying
messy lawsuits
a messy divorce
messily
ˈme-sə-lē How to pronounce messy (audio)
adverb
messiness
ˈme-sē-nəs How to pronounce messy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of messy

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Examples of messy in a Sentence

Painting a room can be messy work. Some kinds of glue are messier than others. a delicious but messy sandwich
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.
At some point, your device will need to be charged, but the one thing that can quickly make a space look untidy is messy cable management. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 The early columns were messy but alive, full of energy and vengeance. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026 There were messy confirmation fights over controversial Cabinet picks, the era of DOGE and back-and-forths over trade policy. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Today with the formal repeal of the Roadless Rule rule expected early next year, the picture on the ground in timber country looks messier. — Kirk Siegler, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for messy

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of messy was in 1627

Rhymes for messy

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Browse Nearby Words

mess with someone's mind/head
messy
Mesta
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Messy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/messy. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

messy

adjective
ˈmes-ē How to pronounce messy (audio)
messier; messiest
1
: marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt : untidy
2
: extremely unpleasant or trying
messy lawsuits
messily
ˈmes-ə-lē How to pronounce messy (audio)
adverb
messiness
ˈmes-ē-nəs How to pronounce messy (audio)
noun
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