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
Research shows cluttered, chaotic spaces increase stress levels, while hands-on projects boost mood and create a stronger sense of control.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 14 Jan. 2026
At 40, he was tasked with restoring order to a dysfunctional Philadelphia Eagles team whose culture degraded during a chaotic 2020 season.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
The footage, released this week, captures the urgent, chaotic scene at 217 Sandra Drive.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
In the run-up to Thursday’s vote, chaotic scenes resurfaced, with CNN witnessing security forces using violence against Wine and his supporters at rallies.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chaotic
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Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 14 Jan. 2026
At 40, he was tasked with restoring order to a dysfunctional Philadelphia Eagles team whose culture degraded during a chaotic 2020 season.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
The footage, released this week, captures the urgent, chaotic scene at 217 Sandra Drive.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
In the run-up to Thursday’s vote, chaotic scenes resurfaced, with CNN witnessing security forces using violence against Wine and his supporters at rallies.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 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 15 Jan. 2026.
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