1
: marked by chaos or being in a state of chaos : completely confused or disordered
a chaotic political race
After he became famous, his life became even more chaotic.
They may look chaotic and barbaric, but scrums are a critical and strategic part of the game, and they unfold and escalate according to hockey's venerated, unwritten rules of engagement.—
David Fleming
David FlemingTo the uninitiated visitor, the seemingly chaotic energy of a typical Thai market may give the impression of a free-for-all, …—Diane Ruengsom
Diane Ruengsom2
mathematics
: having outcomes that can vary widely due to extremely small changes in initial conditions
In other words, what comes out of the program's equations is extremely sensitive to what goes in. And that, as any mathematician would recognize, is one of the hallmarks of chaotic systems.—Ingrid Wickelgren
Ingrid WickelgrenA physical system—a weather system, say—is chaotic if a very slight change in initial conditions sends the system off on a very different course.—Physics Today
Physics TodayExamples of chaotic in a Sentence
a chaotic cellar sorely in need of some straightening up
Recent Examples on the Web
During this alignment of the temperamental Moon in your sign and chaotic Uranus in your exploration sector, minor successes are still worthy of celebration.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
His demeanor is anything but chaotic.
—Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Since your nervous system is likely feeling chaotic and restless trying to keep up with this vibe, van Lexmond recommends using it to your advantage.
—Katharina Fuchs, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026
You’re stuck cleaning up someone else’s mess as chaotic Uranus goes direct.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chaotic
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Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
His demeanor is anything but chaotic.
—Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Since your nervous system is likely feeling chaotic and restless trying to keep up with this vibe, van Lexmond recommends using it to your advantage.
—Katharina Fuchs, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026
You’re stuck cleaning up someone else’s mess as chaotic Uranus goes direct.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chaotic
Cite this Entry
“Chaotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaotic. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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