1
as in messy
lacking neatness in dress or person
a sloppy child who always seems to have spilled something on his clothes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
dumped the papers in a sloppy pile on the desk
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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 sloppy
Its slightly longer fit provides more coverage than tighter tees without looking sloppy, and while Markle is partial to the slate grey shade, this best-seller is also available in four other colors and patterns.
—
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2025
Colorado State did what Grand Canyon could not, exploiting Maryland’s sloppy start by spreading the floor, sinking tough shots and snatching loose balls.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025
The Blues created a couple of decent looks on the counterattack, and Vancouver was sloppy recovering in the defensive end.
—Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
The latest: The Cavs looked sloppy and tired at points this week, but still gutted out comeback wins against Miami, Charlotte and Brooklyn.
—Sam Allard, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2025
Colorado State did what Grand Canyon could not, exploiting Maryland’s sloppy start by spreading the floor, sinking tough shots and snatching loose balls.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025
The Blues created a couple of decent looks on the counterattack, and Vancouver was sloppy recovering in the defensive end.
—Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
The latest: The Cavs looked sloppy and tired at points this week, but still gutted out comeback wins against Miami, Charlotte and Brooklyn.
—Sam Allard, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sloppy
Adjective
-
Nearly two months have passed since a trade finalized the messy breakup between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat, but the ugly ending to their time together will be a popular topic of conversation for the next few days.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
23 Mar. 2025
-
And yet, something about Careless People—beyond the court order, the messy PR spectacle, and Wynn-Williams’s formidable storytelling abilities—feels urgent, even necessary right now.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Social Security problems The chaotic situation around DOGE has raised concerns that federal programs such as Social Security that many Americans rely on could be impacted.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Carter arrives as a fumbling, awkward, lovable med student—the audience surrogate in the chaotic and intense environment of a fictional Chicago emergency ward.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Reynolds also recommends taking photos of sentimental but impractical items and collecting them in a photo book or digital slideshow.—
Allie Volpe,
Vox,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Model Alessandra Ambrosio opens up about how her daughter, Anja, 16, plays a small but sentimental part in her current rituals.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Slough House is headed by the slovenly, flatulent, and frequently intoxicated Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), who routinely heaps verbal abuse on his staff but is nonetheless a brilliant spymaster in his own smelly way.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Corruption within the organization, after all, is as much a part of the show as Jackson Lamb’s slovenly habits and horrible diet.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
9 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Sea lions and dolphins have been observed rigid with seizures, acting dazed and confused.—
Susanne Rust,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2025
-
While older teens might appreciate its message about family and independence, younger kids will likely be more confused than entertained.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Aphids excrete the sap as honeydew, leaving leaves sticky and susceptible to sooty mold.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Pitchers were becoming too dominant with the sticky stuff.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But Morris got wet and was suffering from hypothermia by the time rescuers arrived.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Some greens are known for being dry while others have a rep for being wet, and a new type of golf ball coating could make for better golfing on both.—
Ben Coxworth,
New Atlas,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
And yet the series is less a document of careful sleuthing and more a shaggy chronicle of teen-like longing for revelation and salvation.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Another farm experience is Kitchen Coos & Ewes, a safari-like tour of a farm in southwest Scotland with shaggy Highland cows and a record-breaking flock of beltex sheep.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sloppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sloppy. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share