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Showing results for mess. Search instead for messu.
Definitions

mess

[mes] / mɛs /
NOUN
disorder, litter
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chaos clutter confusion debris disarray jumble mayhem shambles turmoil wreck wreckage
STRONG
botch combination compound dirtiness discombobulation disorganization eyesore fright hash hodgepodge mishmash monstrosity salmagundi sight untidiness
WEAK
every which way
Antonyms
STRONGEST
harmony neatness order organization system
WEAK
tidiness
NOUN
difficulty, predicament
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dilemma imbroglio muddle plight
STRONG
fix jam mix up perplexity pickle stew
Antonyms
STRONG
boon ease
WEAK
benefit solution

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even if they prove fairly insulated from a wipeout, they do stand to lose significant business from the whole mess.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

He said he would "fix this mess" by appointing a chief assessor to ensure greater stability.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

No soap opera can beat the Bible when it comes to mess.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

Woolf’s physical mess is but one of the reasons why Ms. Lewin describes herself as skeptical about “house museums,” especially those where an author’s study has been carefully staged.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Lily, on the other hand, is a sticky, glittery mess.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.