1
as in criminal
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
disorderly mobs roamed the streets after the fall of the city
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
disorderly piles of clothes on various tables about the room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of disorderly
Los Angeles native LaBeouf has a history of violent and disorderly behavior that shadowed his efforts to move past his Disney Channel days in the early aughts.
—
Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Her lawyer argued that while the party involved minors, Anderson’s charges of resisting an officer and disorderly intoxication did not, according to the outlet.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
The biggest risk for government bonds is the possibility that the Bank of Japan is behind the curve, which could trigger disorderly inflation, necessitating more frequent rate hikes, Kitamura said.
—Masahiro Hidaka, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
He is accused of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and disorderly intoxication.
—Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disorderly
Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Her lawyer argued that while the party involved minors, Anderson’s charges of resisting an officer and disorderly intoxication did not, according to the outlet.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
The biggest risk for government bonds is the possibility that the Bank of Japan is behind the curve, which could trigger disorderly inflation, necessitating more frequent rate hikes, Kitamura said.
—Masahiro Hidaka, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
He is accused of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and disorderly intoxication.
—Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disorderly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disorderly
Adjective
-
Broidy’s criminal convictions notwithstanding, his allegations against Chalker appeared plausible.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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In October, the Justice Department filed criminal charges against James that have since been thrown out successive times by federal judges.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The fan disappointment was echoed in the community dedicated to Barbie on Reddit, where many called out the organizers for such a chaotic event.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
30 Mar. 2026
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The footage captures a chaotic moment many pet owners recognize instantly—when curiosity tips over into trouble.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The 8-episode first season charts the improbable ascent of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, including rebellious second son Jack, who struggles to escape the shadow of his golden boy older brother.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
27 Mar. 2026
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In a mountain resort, rebellious snowboarders uncover a nuclear conspiracy in a uranium mine.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Beyond the hardware, it’s packed with AI features like Circle to Search for instant lookups and Handwriting Assist to tidy up your messy notes, all backed by a 20-hour battery that lasts well beyond the standard workday.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
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Things with Turner got messy quickly with custody issues rearing their head, but seemed to have settled down now.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Stella Marie Markert | Germany Canadian Premiere Four teens living in a Berlin group home have created their own anarchic utopia.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2026
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There’s something classically anarchic about Kate Moss, but her delicate Americana anchor signals stability and steadfastness—that, or an unquenchable yearning for the sea.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The series does not touch on the tabloid attention that followed the Beckhams in 2004, when it was alleged that David had an affair with his personal assistant, Rebecca Loos, and the many further accusations of cheating that littered gossip columns after.—
Scarlett Harris,
Time,
9 Oct. 2025
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Cigarette butts are the most littered item on the planet.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
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Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Adjective
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This was a better defensive effort for the Stars than their sloppy defeat Tuesday night at home against New Jersey.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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The Lakers relied on another part-time G League contributor to carry them through a sloppy fourth quarter.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disorderly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disorderly. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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