chaos

noun

cha·​os ˈkā-ˌäs 

1

a

: a state of utter confusion

the blackout caused chaos throughout the city

b

: a confused mass or mixture

a chaos of television antennas

2

a

often Chaos : a state of things in which chance is supreme

especially : the confused unorganized state of primordial matter before the creation of distinct forms compare cosmos

b

: the inherent unpredictability in the behavior of a complex natural system (such as the atmosphere, boiling water, or the beating heart)

3

obsolete : chasm, abyss

Synonyms of chaos

• havoc
• mess
• jumble
• confusion
• hell
• disorder

Examples of chaos in a Sentence

The loss of electricity caused chaos throughout the city.

When the police arrived, the street was in total chaos.

The country had descended into economic chaos.

Recent Examples on the Web

Eisenberg's David is a nebbish family man while Culkin's Benji is an outgoing whirlwind of chaos, though both find nuance within their usual screen personas. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025

From the instigator to the crybaby, everyone gets to partake in the seasonal chaos. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025

There is a growing consensus among experts that Russia is already waging a hybrid war on the West by conducting sabotage operations and injecting chaos and disinformation into domestic political discussions. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025

In the middle of the joyful chaos, as once-pristine wrapping is tossed aside, my mom has always had a little system. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek — more at gum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing chaos

• chaos theory

Kids Definition

chaos

noun

cha·​os ˈkā-ˌäs 

: complete confusion

chaotic

kā-ˈät-ik 

adjective

chaotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb