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 capitalized
: 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)
Synonyms
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
Twister built a template that its sequel largely follows: loud and fast-paced but anchored by a reliable ensemble spouting meteorological technobabble amid the chaos.
—
David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 July 2024
Despite the long strikes of 2023 causing chaos for the traditional Emmys season, Hollywood has managed to deliver fantastic television shows that have set the bar for returning programming and newcomers.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 July 2024
At various rallies, Haley argued that the former President’s return to the White House could spell chaos, contrasting her vision of a more orderly administration.
—Nik Popli, TIME, 17 July 2024
One woman could be seen screaming her daughter's name after being separated in the chaos.
—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for chaos 
David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 July 2024
Despite the long strikes of 2023 causing chaos for the traditional Emmys season, Hollywood has managed to deliver fantastic television shows that have set the bar for returning programming and newcomers.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 July 2024
At various rallies, Haley argued that the former President’s return to the White House could spell chaos, contrasting her vision of a more orderly administration.
—Nik Popli, TIME, 17 July 2024
One woman could be seen screaming her daughter's name after being separated in the chaos.
—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for chaos
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chaos.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near chaos
Cite this Entry
“Chaos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaos. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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