MESSILY Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

messily

adverb

Definition of messily

as in untidily

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of messily His tenure ended messily, with reports of deteriorating team relations and a dugout incident. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 In 2017, internet trolls disrupted an anti-racist art installation with neo-Nazi chants and messily downed jugs of milk to accentuate their white identity. — Hilary Smith, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 Schreier shot the scene with both Josh and Ashley as the POV character, although it’s edited to judder messily between the two of them. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026 Even when Drew tries to messily prod at the massive elephant in the room at dinner, the conversation still reverts to Angela’s issues with Shamea. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026 My exterior gender and interior one were out of alignment, and every attempt to sync them—with corresponding clothes, a rich fantasy life, and standing up over the toilet bowl to pee, messily—ultimately failed. — Literary Hub, 7 May 2026 In 2012, Dunham skyrocketed to fame with the creation of Girls, her show about four young millennials messily navigating life in Brooklyn. — Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 But an icon such as Jackson is deeply, and sometimes messily, entangled in the world. — Glenn Eden, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 Exactly how quickly — and how messily — India’s clean energy revolution might play out isn’t yet clear. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for messily

chaotically

Adverb

Sometimes, an object moving chaotically can become trapped into following a fractal-like path forever.

— Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
Blood streams from her crown as dragons and humans die chaotically around her in the image.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of chaotically

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messianic

messily

messiness

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“Messily.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messily. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of messily

adverb

Example Sentences

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