as in havoc
a state in which everything is out of order
the boys' bedroom was in its usual disarray
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
But with his drive to take over Greenland throwing the European and American alliance in disarray — and Japanese bonds plunging on concerns over the country’s finances — the calm abruptly snapped.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
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
Noun
Since his resignation the national political landscape has been in disarray, with a revolving door of different leaders.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
But with his drive to take over Greenland throwing the European and American alliance in disarray — and Japanese bonds plunging on concerns over the country’s finances — the calm abruptly snapped.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 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
-
The weather was already causing havoc in the air — with about 1,000 flight disruptions at CLT airport — and on the ground, with State Highway Patrol handling over 175 wrecks so far.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Jan. 2026
-
In any case, the Chiefs’ self-evaluation this offseason is sure to focus on how the team can create more havoc — while also getting back to the production of past seasons when creating big plays was more the norm.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Both sides say the strike will disrupt hospital operations.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The United States on June 25 launched a new satellite expected to significantly improve forecasts of solar flares and coronal mass ejections — huge plasma bubbles that can crash into Earth, disrupting power grids and communications.—
Sasirekha Subramanian,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Ideally, provide a range of low-mess snacks that can easily be eaten during gameplay, or take dedicated food breaks throughout the game so your game tiles don’t get covered with food.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Republicans are publicly calling for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and privately freaking out that her Minnesota mess will doom their chances of holding Congress in the 2026 midterms.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The downstairs staffs of the richest and noblest families start to shuffle around so chaotically that even Lady Whistledown takes notice of in her column.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The videos showed Chicago kissing and hugging a sable-furred puppy in the family's living room while Psalm shuffled around on his hands and knees trying to chase one of the dark-haired dogs around the room.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Terminal Heat Skipping airport chaos might be the most coveted luxury in travel.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The venue was hosting weigh-ins for the Saturday night fight headlined by Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez when the chaos kicked off.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The sheer bulk of the suit might confuse the human eye from a distance, but in large open spaces, like snowfields, anything that looks a little odd will stand out.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Many people confuse the center with Crossroads Church or Crossroad Health Center, Pelicano said.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The result also spotlights conference championships’ awkward fit in the current system, particularly given the fact that conference expansion has led to jumbles atop each league’s standings.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
7 Dec. 2025
-
Ray’s most chaotic photograms—jumbles that push out of the frame or look like time bombs ready to explode—find echoes in his films, projected on the back walls, a show in themselves.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
He was also disturbed by the 2016 murder of Labour parliamentarian Jo Cox by a far-right figure associated with neo-Nazi groups who had been radicalized online.—
Andrew Lapin,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Jan. 2026
-
But then Detective Nathanial Saint shows up carrying disturbing news and an even more unexpected jolt of creativity.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disarray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disarray. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
