mess with
phrase
1
: to deal with (someone) in a way that may cause anger or violence
He's not someone you want to mess with.
2
: to be involved with (someone or something) that may cause problems
I don't have time to mess with all these changes.
3
: to handle something in a careless way
Stop messing with my phone.
Examples of mess with in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Prevent messes with regular wiping, oven liners, and quick spill cleanup.
—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
2 July 2026
In the end, the show proved too big and too important to mess with the lead characters’ dynamic that had won over fans.
—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
30 June 2026
Named for its hip neighborhood, Walker’s Point, Wisconsin’s only lesbian bar is a convivial spot to drink a cold one, mess with the jukebox, catch a Brewers game on TV, or gather outside on the patio sprinkled with round tables, weather permitting.
—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for mess with
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Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
2 July 2026
In the end, the show proved too big and too important to mess with the lead characters’ dynamic that had won over fans.
—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
30 June 2026
Named for its hip neighborhood, Walker’s Point, Wisconsin’s only lesbian bar is a convivial spot to drink a cold one, mess with the jukebox, catch a Brewers game on TV, or gather outside on the patio sprinkled with round tables, weather permitting.
—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for mess with
Cite this Entry
“Mess with.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mess%20with. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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