chaos

noun

ˈkā-ˌäs How to pronounce chaos (audio)
Definition of chaosnext
as in havoc
a state in which everything is out of order the boy's room is in such chaos that it looks as though a tornado had struck

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 chaos His comeback album, Bully, was released in March after several years in which the rap superstar and tabloid regular’s life spiraled into chaos. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026 Grant has already proven himself to be a standout with his sheer enthusiasm for the game, immediately causing chaos in the castle. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026 Not as incredible as the absolute chaos that took place in the 60 seconds after the call. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 And the same organizing principles used to corral chaos in that closet can be used by the rest of us. — Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chaos
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chaos
  1. havoc
  2. mess
  3. jumble
  4. confusion
  5. hell
  6. disorder
Noun
  • The storms have caused flooding, havoc and devastation in several parts of Chile.
    — Nayara Batschke, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • So where does this rank among the wackiest havoc ever wreaked by domes on innocent baseballs?
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • This is just another mess for the WNBA, a terrible look for A'ja Wilson, and wildly unprofessional from Amazon Prime Video.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than simply detecting physical obstacles, the system distinguishes between different types of messes and household objects to optimize cleaning strategies.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of mess
Noun
  • Arches and natural bridges sweep like buttresses from jumbles of rock, giving this landscape a mystical, cathedral-like quality.
    — Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Macaroons are chewy jumbles of coconut bound together with egg whites and sweetened condensed milk.
    — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of jumble
Noun
  • According to MedlinePlus, symptoms can include a sudden severe headache, sudden dizziness or trouble walking, sudden confusion, and sudden numbness or weakness in the face.
    — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Other online missives expressed optimism, but many revealed some combination of grief, confusion, and fear.
    — Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • And look at the Johnson-less segments, like the overlong Weekend Update (more on that later) — or especially the stale-as-hell midterm ads political cold open, another excuse to run through all the usual impressions.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Season 1 of The Watcher followed the Brannock family who moved into what was supposed to be their suburban dream home, and quickly became a living hell.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of hell
Noun
  • Following the killing, Pike was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, her attorneys said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • She never has been diagnosed with an underlying seizure disorder, such as epilepsy, and a medical test to provoke a seizure in Linton after the crash came back with no abnormal brain activity, prosecutors said.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of disorder

Browse Nearby Words

chants
chaos
chaoses
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chaos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chaos. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on chaos

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chaos

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