DIS-ARRAY Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

disarray 1 of 2

noun

ˌdis-ə-ˈrā

Definition of disarray

as in havoc

a state in which everything is out of order the boys' bedroom was in its usual disarray

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disarray

2 of 2

verb

as in to disrupt

to undo the proper order or arrangement of he had accidentally disarrayed his brother's CDs, leaving a telltale sign of borrowing without permission

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of disarray

Noun

Democrats have been struggling to overcome disarray in other messy primaries across this year’s midterm calendar. — ABC News, 18 July 2026 Maccelli is better than he was given credit for with the Leafs and is an underrated playmaker, but the absence of Lee puts New York’s top six in a serious state of disarray. — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Verb

Hybrid data is here to stay, so don’t let data disarray slow innovation or undermine smart business decision making. — Ram Venkatesh, Forbes, 10 Aug. 2022 For much of this summer, staff shortages and a surge of travelers have led to long lines at security and passport control, disarray at baggage claim and crowded terminals in Europe. — Jacob Passy, WSJ, 12 July 2022 See All Example Sentences for disarray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disarray

Noun

Being asked to prove yourself to AI can play havoc on your confidence and ruin your chances of getting your foot in the door.

— Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
That also plays havoc with his control over his web-shooting capabilities, both the old-school organic method and the tech version built for him by Tony Stark.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026

Definition of havoc

Verb

Two oil tankers carrying millions of barrels of Saudi crude are sailing through the Gulf of Aden, having successfully traversed the Bab al-Mandeb Strait despite Houthi threats to disrupt Saudi shipping, tracking data shows.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
The attacks, which follow months of drone strikes on Russian oil depots and refineries, appear designed to severely disrupt Moscow's supply chains and increase the financial burden facing the country's businesses and state budget.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 23 July 2026

Definition of disrupt

Noun

That’s because parts of the flooding area fall under the jurisdictions of Kansas City, Jackson County and the state transportation department — and each says the others are responsible for addressing the mess.

— Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
For stubborn messes, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the area.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 July 2026

Definition of mess

Verb

Since 2021, he and his former financing company Creative Wealth Media, which declared bankruptcy in 2023, have been named in at least four lawsuit accusing him of shuffling investments around various entities to repay outstanding loans.

— Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
Giants manager Tony Vitello went another way, shuffling a few papers before heading up the tunnel to the home clubhouse.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of shuffle

Noun

The dinner in April devolved into chaos after authorities say Cole Allen opened fire inside the Washington Hilton hotel, where thousands of journalists and guests gathered for the annual celebration of the First Amendment.

— Fritz Farrow, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Brentford’s Michael Kayode caused chaos with his long throw in the Premier League last season too, but that was nothing on what Huddersfield’s Max Murray appears to be capable of.

— George Edwards, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of chaos

Verb

Still, don’t confuse harmony with everyone silently knowing the plan.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
Large-scale solar farms cause habitat loss, fragment ecosystems, and confuse wildlife with reflective panels, while concentrated solar can vaporize birds.

— Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of confuse

Verb

Out of competition The world of elite sports is taken to disturbing new heights full of brutality and painful ambition in the new film from Nikias Chryssos (The Bunker, Rave On, A Pure Place).

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
When walking down the charming Main Street, you won't be disturbed by honking or traffic since the island has banned cars since 1898.

— Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Definition of disturb

Browse Nearby Words

disarranging

disarray

disarrayed

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“Disarray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disarray. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of disarray

noun

verb

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