1
as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
an unkempt and cluttered room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sloppy
lacking neatness in dress or person
the stereotype of the unkempt but brilliant scientist
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 unkempt
Wallace’s bob was poker-straight, whereas Emily’s unkempt, messy waves boast plenty of texture.
—
Alice Cary, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2023
Armed patrols man the streets, where unkempt survivors take jobs burning the dead and cleaning up waste to scrape by.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2023
Oh, there's the unkempt west side near Red Bank Avenue, known as the Thickets, where those seeking or selling drugs can sometimes be found after dark, and where there's the occasional mugging, but the Thickets is only three acres of 740.
—Clark Collis, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2023
His unkempt bedroom is nearly a deal-breaker, as are his clumsy attempts at foreplay.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 21 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for unkempt
Alice Cary, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2023
Armed patrols man the streets, where unkempt survivors take jobs burning the dead and cleaning up waste to scrape by.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2023
Oh, there's the unkempt west side near Red Bank Avenue, known as the Thickets, where those seeking or selling drugs can sometimes be found after dark, and where there's the occasional mugging, but the Thickets is only three acres of 740.
—Clark Collis, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2023
His unkempt bedroom is nearly a deal-breaker, as are his clumsy attempts at foreplay.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 21 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for unkempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unkempt
Adjective
-
The show’s messy web of care and connection is entertaining and funny.—
David E. Tolchinsky,
The Conversation,
17 Apr. 2025
-
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
-
The Trump administration has been accused of being sloppy in selecting its targets for arrest and deportation, with critics accusing them of relying on tattoo symbols and clothing to make their allegations of gang affiliation.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Given publicly available information and pages of corrections Tyler provided to the reporters, the editorial board’s commentary is at best sloppy.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Monday's event was the latest congressional town hall to get chaotic.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2025
-
As a governance matter, some investors complained that the pivots are too chaotic.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This romantically rustic wreath weaves shaggy swags of greenery with white tulips and stalks of berries, then ties it all together with a neat black-and-white bow.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Hashing things out with his tech wizard brother-in-law Maury (a shaggy Guy Pearce), Karsh wonders if ecological protesters or religious groups or competitors are upset with his global expansion plans, which include a lava field in Iceland.—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Aurangzeb imprisoned his ailing father in 1658 and defeated his brother the year after, before forcibly parading him in chains on a filthy elephant on the streets of Delhi.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
-
The network has ordered Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, which will see the celebrity chef go undercover to rescue America’s filthiest restaurants.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Even her confession of her untidy bathroom eschews the pedestal of celebrity.—
Jessica Ourisman,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Research published in Personal Relationships reflects this trend: Women often feel burdened by men’s untidy habits such as leaving messes.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Unkempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unkempt. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share