scruffy

adjective

ˈskrə-fē How to pronounce scruffy (audio)
Definition of scruffynext
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect dressed in scruffy old clothes to clean out the garage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 scruffy The True Blood actor was shown head-to-toe covered in wicker material, with a scruffy beard and hair. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 30 July 2026 Phillies fans still love their collection of scruffy galoots. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 15 July 2026 The suspect is described as a Hispanic or Middle Eastern man, about 35 years old, approximately 5-foot-8 with a thin build, shaved head, brown eyes and scruffy facial hair. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 The special bond between Supergirl and her scruffy animal sidekick becomes a key plot point in Kara’s new solo movie, where Krypto is poisoned by space outlaw Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts). — Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for scruffy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scruffy
  1. dilapidated
  2. neglected
Adjective
  • This year alone, the Kansas City Fire Department has put out 24 fires in the vacant, dilapidated complex.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Velasco says corruption and low oil prices in the early 2000s contributed to the dilapidated state of Venezuela's facilities.
    — Willa Rubin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of dilapidated
Adjective
  • Investors and analysts are increasingly looking to other parts of the market, both to find neglected sources of value and to start assuming a defensive posture against a possible downturn.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • Changing their environment is more reliable and more neglected.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of neglected

Browse Nearby Words

scruffily
scruffy
scrum
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Cite this Entry

“Scruffy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scruffy. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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