disarray

noun

dis·ar·ray | \ˌdis-ə-ˈrā

Definition of disarray

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a lack of order or sequence : confusion, disorder the room was in disarray … the disarray of paper in the In-Out basket …— Jackie Weger

2 : disorderly dress : dishabille

disarray

verb

Definition of disarray (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to throw into disorder The discarded magazines and newspapers, the layers of dust and disarrayed rugs …— Gloria Naylor

2 : undress

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about disarray

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Examples of disarray in a Sentence

Noun

The room was in disarray. The company has fallen into complete disarray.

Verb

he had accidentally disarrayed his brother's CDs, leaving a telltale sign of borrowing without permission

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Why would George sign up for another year of disarray with Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony? — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "Warriors and revamped Lakers? Bring it on," 16 June 2018 But, as both men know, the main transit country is Libya, which is in violent disarray. — The Economist, "How Matteo Salvini is dominating Italian politics," 21 June 2018 Sprays of periwinkle hydrangeas burst in feckless disarray from clutches of kiwi-green leaves, a leafy halo for the diaphanous peach rose. — Tamar Adler, Vogue, "What Statement Should Your Wedding Cake Make?," 17 May 2018 Denmark went ahead in the very first minute after a huge throw-in by Jonas Knudsen sent the ball into the penalty area, where Croatia was in some disarray. — Victor Mather, New York Times, "Shootout Sunday: Croatia Follows Russia’s Lead and Wins on Penalty Kicks," 3 July 2018 All together, this chaos and bureaucratic disarray means these separations will likely last — if not permanently, though some have warned of that — for weeks or months. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "500 migrant kids have been reunited with their parents. Thousands are still caught in the system.," 23 June 2018 The coalition hopes to capitalise on Houthi disarray. — The Economist, "The battle begins for Hodeida, Yemen’s lifeline," 14 June 2018 This team should survive the first round before disarray ensues. — Bruce Jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, "The World Cup arrives, with its galaxy of stars," 13 June 2018 But disputes within the Trump administration have burst into public view, projecting disarray when the team has sought to present a united front. — chicagotribune.com, "Confusion, squabbling undermine Trump's steps forward on the world stage," 20 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

In this one, the first of a series published from 1935 to 1961, readers are introduced to a nervous Londoner named Pongo Twistleton, whose orderly life is disarrayed by the visit of his peremptory and mischievous uncle Fred from the country. — Jesse Green, New York Times, "Review: Surprise Lessons From John Lithgow’s ‘Stories by Heart’," 11 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disarray.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.