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

The weekend contains more than its fair share of chaos, tears, and vitriol, but every character departs after the nuptials feeling confident that the whole affair was, somehow, worth attending. —Bobby Finger june 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026

While some relationships are causing chaos in the Bravo-verse, others are just entertaining to learn about. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 16 June 2026

National Parents Union President Keri Rodrigues told ABC News the announcements create more chaos for families with special needs. —Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 16 June 2026

The shooting deaths of former Kansas City resident Renee Good and ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis earlier this year had sparked calls to defund ICE, the immigration agency at the center of the chaos. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026

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