Synonyms for

Mess

Verb / mes / Another word for mess — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a state of disorder or confusion

Synonyms & similar words

muss lot mint plenty jam pile batch mountain spate messiness peck raft greatdeal muddle pot pickle wad messup slew hatful hole muckle deal flock gooddeal disorder clutter chaos jumble untidiness mix-up confusion disarray muddle disorganization shambles hash mishmash knot tangle hodgepodge snarl ruckus foul-up botch

Synonyms by register

Formal

disorder clutter disarray untidiness

Informal

pigsty shambles muddle state

Literary

chaos turmoil jumble

Antonyms

order tidiness neatness cleanliness organization arrangement system

Common collocations

  • make a mess
  • mess up
  • mess around
  • mess about
  • mess hall
  • mess kit
  • mess table
  • mess day

Word family

noun mess
verb mess
adjective messy

Usage note

As a noun, 'mess' often refers to a state of untidiness or a confused situation. As a verb, 'mess up' is a common phrasal verb meaning to spoil or make a mistake.

Example sentences

  1. My little brother always makes a mess at the dinner table.
  2. I need to clean up this mess before mom gets home.
  3. I can't find my homework, my backpack is a mess.
  4. The toys were scattered all over the floor, it was a big mess.
  5. Don't make a mess while eating your ice cream.

Quotes

  • Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.
  • The best way to get a project done faster is to start sooner.
  • All great deeds and all great thoughts have a ridiculous beginning.

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