sloppy

adjective

ˈslä-pē How to pronounce sloppy (audio)
Definition of sloppynext
1
as in messy
lacking neatness in dress or person a sloppy child who always seems to have spilled something on his clothes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness dumped the papers in a sloppy pile on the desk

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way a cinematic romance with a sloppy musical score that will have audiences reaching for their handkerchiefs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sloppy That’s two straight games to start the season in which the Sabres have been sloppy defensively. — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 The Titans committed the game's only two turnovers, but the Ravens were sloppy in other ways, with 13 penalties for 131 yards. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026 Issues like scope creep, sloppy time tracking and pricing that no longer matches reality can lead to money left on the table. — Drew McLellan, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Lanier’s running game powered by Nicholas Torres (617 yards, nine touchdowns), Erick Esparza (495 yards, five touchdowns) and Isaiah (247 yards, one touchdown) could thrive under potentially sloppy conditions on the natural surface at SAISD Complex. — David Hinojosa, San Antonio Express-News, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sloppy
  1. messy
  2. chaotic
  3. sentimental
  4. slovenly
  5. filthy
  6. sticky
  7. wrinkled
  8. confused
Adjective
  • Nonna’s Meatball Sandwich Making meatballs at home can be a messy, overwhelming task.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The actors split in 2016, following 12 years together in total, although their messy divorce was only finalized in December 2024.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of messy
Adjective
  • But the image that stays with me is of a meeting with Olga, climbing the winding stairs of our little building for a somewhat chaotic coffee in the festival’s office.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Explore See latest videos, charts and news Turnstile is the first hardcore band to appear on SNL since Fear’s famously chaotic performance back in 1981.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of chaotic
Adjective
  • What was once a contemporary exploration of horror has become a sentimental aesthetic, with this particular version of 2011 looking ironically idealistic because younger viewers never had to live inside it.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In a sentimental moment before Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, Bellinger caught the ceremonial first pitch from his father, Clay Bellinger, who played for the Yankees from 1999-2001.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of sentimental
Adjective
  • And this is where the movie takes off from retro mythology to become its own slovenly mod thing.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026
  • To Washington, a beard made a man look unkempt and slovenly, masking the higher emotions that civility required.
    — Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
Definition of slovenly
Adjective
  • Park advocates have long argued that the existing city allocation is inadequate, leaving neighborhoods with decaying recreation centers, deteriorating swimming pools and filthy park bathrooms.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Raman has promised to speed up housing construction, bring back entertainment industry jobs and improve services in a city known for filthy streets, gridlock and an unresponsive City Hall.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of filthy
Adjective
  • The lightweight, slightly milky formula sank into my skin quickly without feeling sticky or heavy, leaving behind a luminous finish that made my complexion look fresher almost immediately.
    — Lucy Partington, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Our highlights were the sticky Yabba pot rice and the lamb curry, which were fragrant and delicate but packed a punch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of sticky
Adjective
  • Participants with wet but non-wrinkled fingers required significantly more force to maintain the same hold; their hands were working harder to do less.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while wrinkled leaves can point to underwatering.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of wrinkled
Adjective
  • On-the-ground responders became confused by a deluge of 911 calls.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Blandino was happy to have scored an invite, even if fans were confused.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of confused

Browse Nearby Words

slopping
sloppy
slops
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Cite this Entry

“Sloppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sloppy. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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