Scruffy is defined as shabby, unkempt, and messy. Synonyms for the word 'scruffy' can include disheveled, unpolished, rumpled, raggedy, untidy, and unkempt. Scruffy can also be described as shaggy, grungy, grimy, dingy, and rough-looking. Synonyms for the opposite of scruffy include neat, clean, well-groomed, tidy, and polished. Scruffy can be used to describe a person, animal, or object that appears disheveled or unkempt. When seeking to avoid the use of the word scruffy it may be helpful to consider synonyms in order to describe the same thing in a different manner.