razzle-dazzle

noun

raz·​zle-daz·​zle ˌra-zəl-ˈda-zəl How to pronounce razzle-dazzle (audio)
1
: a state of confusion or hilarity
2
: a complex maneuver (as in sports) designed to confuse an opponent
3
: a confusing or colorful often gaudy action or display
razzle-dazzle adjective

Examples of razzle-dazzle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Madonna’s Celebration tour is a messy victory lap that needs more razzle-dazzle. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 The typical Holiday–Wilson tempo is a kind of medium-pace chug—neither outright swing nor an invitation to the blues; an alloy in which are cast jazz smarts and a more accessible razzle-dazzle. Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 Imagine the Las Vegas strip, with all its dopamine-pumping music, flashing lights, and psychological razzle-dazzle — then insert every kind of gadget and tech tool imaginable on top of it all. Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024 But true Broadway razzle-dazzle never goes out of style. EW.com, 17 Nov. 2023 Music Usher brings quick-cut razzle-dazzle to the Super Bowl halftime show Feb. 11, 2024 Usher went on to marry fashion designer Tameka Foster in 2007. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2024 Fox, from its earliest days under the talk-show producer turned political operative Roger Ailes, cultivated a sense of razzle-dazzle. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2024 Together, the three stars perfectly encapsulated a glitzy, razzle-dazzle holiday spirit. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2023 The two connected for a 42-yard gain — adding a razzle-dazzle wrinkle to the string of big plays given up by the Aztecs defense this season. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'razzle-dazzle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

reduplication of dazzle

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of razzle-dazzle was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near razzle-dazzle

Cite this Entry

“Razzle-dazzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/razzle-dazzle. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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