1
as in dirt
foul matter that mars the purity or cleanliness of something
spattered with muck from the pigpen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in junk
that which is of low quality or worth
what's this muck that you've been watching on TV, anyway?
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in garbage
language, behavior, or ideas that are absurd and contrary to good sense
there's some solid substance in this book, but the reader has to trudge through a lot of muck to get to it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to stain
to make dirty
you can't work in the garden and not expect to muck your clothes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 muck
Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
The above impression comes from just four miles of driving, during a snowstorm so fierce the vehicle was caked in muck and mire, from the get-go.
—Josh Max, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Drillers used mucking poles to vault between platforms because setting a boot in the muck was a risk.
—Hazlitt, 21 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for muck
Noun
Hollywood’s ghosts fill Lynch’s work, and so does its muck and its filth.
—Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
The above impression comes from just four miles of driving, during a snowstorm so fierce the vehicle was caked in muck and mire, from the get-go.
—Josh Max, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
Instead of merely mucking it up, Vancouver began to muck its way into the game.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Drillers used mucking poles to vault between platforms because setting a boot in the muck was a risk.
—Hazlitt, 21 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for muck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muck
Noun
-
It’s built to do sand, dirt, forests, streams with exclusive features like the FOX suspension, all-terrain tires, skid plates and a factory lift.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
-
From the washing machine to the dishwasher, dirt, dust, and other buildup can cause appliances to work harder than necessary, resulting in higher energy consumption.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Smaller dinosaurs and other creatures were caught in the mud, unable to escape.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
-
For hallways, mud rooms, kitchen runners, or entryways, jute brings a minimal and bohemian decor aesthetic while also delivering on functionality.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This comes as Fitch Ratings on Wednesday downgraded the Japanese automaker’s credit rating to BBB- from BB+, which also means junk status. —Lee Ying Shan 23 Hours Ago S&P 500 closes slightly above the flatline The S&P 500 closed Wednesday’s trading session barely in the green.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
26 Feb. 2025
-
There’s a surprising amount of debris still visible along the road, in yards, under decks, against fences and up in trees, but also a river full of massive amounts of unseen junk, some of which residents fear could pose serious hazards — say, to a falling water-skier.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Lira, remembering the garbage, quickly takes out the trash.—
Cindy Carcamo,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Leave the garbage can open and place it in the sun to fully dry before closing it or putting a garbage bag in it.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Many shoppers even added DIY elements, such as staining it, incorporating trellises for climbing vines, and casters for easy moving.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Also, ensure there is no debris or dirt stuck to the wheels or base of the machine that could stain the carpet when rolled on it.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Two dark-brown mushrooms stuck out of the damp soil.—
Shayla Love,
The Atlantic,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Hydrangeas can be grown in almost any type of soil, but the soil must have good drainage.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This contrast in flavor profiles offers a rich and rewarding taste experience, especially when paired with cheeses or desserts.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Pouches of shredded cheese sold at Aldi's stores in four states have been recalled because of possible metal contamination.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But the Dutton nephew is not hearing any of that nonsense.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
23 Mar. 2025
-
The 38-piece capsule captures the show’s sense of kooky nautical nonsense, the lovable yellow sponge’s face crocheted into a pipsqueak-sized tote bag, printed onto swim trunks, and plastered on slingback espadrilles.—
Violet Goldstone,
WWD,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Muck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muck. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share