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
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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
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
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Recent Examples of sloppy
Tells include uneven floors, exposed wires, gaps in trim, sloppy caulking, or creative use of materials (but not in a good way).
—
Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
Waltz's sloppy explanation to Fox News' Laura Ingraham made things worse.
—Marc Caputo, Axios, 29 Mar. 2025
Gators shake sloppy start vs. Maryland, advance to Elite 8 vs. Texas Tech
Florida turned it over 13 times in the first half but regrouped.
—Eddie Pells, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
Read's lawyers pointed repeatedly to sloppy policing, including leaving the scene unsecured for hours and not searching the house.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
Waltz's sloppy explanation to Fox News' Laura Ingraham made things worse.
—Marc Caputo, Axios, 29 Mar. 2025
Gators shake sloppy start vs. Maryland, advance to Elite 8 vs. Texas Tech
Florida turned it over 13 times in the first half but regrouped.
—Eddie Pells, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
Read's lawyers pointed repeatedly to sloppy policing, including leaving the scene unsecured for hours and not searching the house.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sloppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sloppy
Adjective
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The show’s messy web of care and connection is entertaining and funny.—
David E. Tolchinsky,
The Conversation,
17 Apr. 2025
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Plus, Sherman-Palladino and Palladino were amenable to her perspective on Geneviève, an overburdened, passionate woman with a messy personal life.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Monday's event was the latest congressional town hall to get chaotic.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2025
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As a governance matter, some investors complained that the pivots are too chaotic.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Strahovski and her family said their goodbyes to the city in a sentimental post in February 2025.—
Emy LaCroix,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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The British monarch and his longtime partner, who celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, marked the sentimental milestone on Monday with a pair of portraits shared on social media.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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If readers are confused, consider yet again that Instagram could claim all of 30 million users when its acquisition was announced.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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Those who lost their Medicaid health care reported being unaware or confused about how to report work hours.—
Phil Galewitz,
NPR,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The telltale signs range from sticky, clammy skin to having moisture on your windows and walls.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
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In an interview with Fox Business on Wednesday, Dimon said rising interest rates, sticky inflation, and widening credit spreads are setting the stage for a wave of financial strain among U.S. companies.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Allowing a wet rug to sit too long can cause mold and mildew to develop.—
Tessa Cooper,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2025
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During a succession of poor wet seasons, the females postpone reproductive maturation up to 10 years and may produce a litter only once a decade.—
Stephen S. Hall,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With their thick, shaggy fur, the 5-month-old wolves are better adapted to the cold.—
Emily Mullin,
Wired News,
7 Apr. 2025
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In the first, the sheepdog appears engulfed by a thick coat of long white fur, his face nearly obscured by the shaggy mass.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sloppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sloppy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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