Synonyms for

Messy

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

Definition

Something that is messy is untidy or dirty.

Synonyms & similar words

mussy disorderly untidy sloppy cluttered jumbled disorganized chaotic dirty grubby unkempt scruffy rumpled untidied tousled bedraggled mussed disheveled shambolic slovenly ungroomed

Synonyms by register

Formal

disordered unorganized untidy cluttered

Informal

sloppy haphazard jumbled scruffy

Literary

disheveled rumpled chaotic

Antonyms

tidy neat orderly clean organized shipshape

Common collocations

  • messy room
  • messy hair
  • messy desk
  • messy eater
  • messy situation
  • messy handwriting
  • make a mess

Word family

noun mess
adjective messy
adverb messily

Usage note

Messy often implies a lack of care or tidiness, and can be used to describe physical spaces, appearance, or even abstract situations. It generally carries a negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The kitchen was so messy that we couldn't find anything.
  2. The artist's studio was always messy with paint and brushes scattered everywhere.
  3. I don't like to work in a messy environment.
  4. My little brother always makes a messy face when he eats spaghetti.
  5. The kids made a messy painting with their hands.

Quotes

  • Life is messy, and I'm not talking about the dirt and grime that accumulates in the wrinkles of our clothes or the creases on our faces. - Laura Bush
  • Being human is messy and complex, and it's never easy. - Kristen Bell
  • The world is a messy place, and it's not going to get any cleaner. - John Burnside

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words