1
as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
a hugger-mugger presentation of the facts of the case that left everyone confused
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clandestine
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others
a tale of hugger-mugger doings and international espionage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugger-mugger
Adjective
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Orlando took the helm of the memorial effort in late 2023 amid the messy collapse of the private onePulse foundation.—
Stephen Hudak,
Orlando Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2025 -
Data preparation tasks—from cleaning messy data to integrating disparate sources—consume a lot of time and effort for data teams.—
Suri Nuthalapati,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The illicitly mined resources, which included valuable minerals and precious stones, were smuggled out of the country through clandestine networks, bypassing official regulatory controls for the benefit of consortium members at the expense of the state coffers.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
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For those hoping to wed immediately, whether to avoid family scrutiny or cover up an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, clandestine marriages performed by Anglican clergy offered a welcome alternative.—
Alexandra Cox,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Moreover, the chaotic layoff of federal workers will likely lead to a rise in unemployment and tightening of spending by those losing their jobs.—
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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This fresh, modern reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic by Andrew Ahn follows a group of friends who need to get married for convenience—until family arrives, and the plan spirals into extravagant, chaotic mayhem.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Based on an incident that had happened 10 years earlier, the book chronicles the harrowing story of two undercover LAPD patrol officers who are kidnapped during a routine traffic stop that goes horribly wrong.—
Chris Koseluk,
The Hollywood Reporter,
28 Feb. 2025
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Russo turned stool pigeon within a month of his November 2017 arrest for selling a kilo of cocaine to an undercover agent.—
John Annese,
New York Daily News,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto and Isabella Rossellini star in Conclave in which Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
2 Mar. 2025
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In covert gatherings across California, raw goat or cow milk is mixed with cane alcohol and sugars to make pajaretes.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Impacted national park and forest employees say fewer workers will lead to longer lines, filthy bathrooms and unsafe hiking and camping conditions at America's precious public lands.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC News,
24 Feb. 2025
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Between sweat, body oils, dust, dirt, hair, and grime, yoga mats, weights, and treadmills can get pretty filthy.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The commuter hall is reminiscent of that of the original station, complete with high ceilings, iron and glass entrances, and a replica of the original clock; it would be connected within the James A. Farley Post Office via an underground tunnel to Moynihan Train Hall.—
Francesca Aton,
ARTnews.com,
13 Mar. 2025
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But where Sematary drew inspiration from underground rap, Ghost Mountain’s earliest obsessions were indie bands like Modest Mouse and the Unicorns, whose anxious songs and caterwauling vocals struck a chord somewhere between naive and degenerate.—
Meaghan Garvey,
Pitchfork,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This private survey reading on Monday followed the official manufacturing PMI released on Saturday, which also showed that China’s February factory activity expanded at its fastest pace since November.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2025
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There was going to be a private lunch with 16 of us.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hugger-mugger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugger-mugger. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
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