disarray 1 of 2

noun

ˌdis-ə-ˈrā How to pronounce disarray (audio)
Definition of disarraynext
as in havoc
a state in which everything is out of order the boys' bedroom was in its usual disarray

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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

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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
Meanwhile, epidemiologist Susan Mayne said the government has responded slowly to the record-shattering outbreak that started in May, which demonstrates how the nation's federal food safety programs are in disarray. — Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026 Political disarray follows Ukrainian wartime successes The political disarray follows recent successes for Ukraine in the war. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 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
  1. havoc
  2. disrupt
  3. mess
  4. shuffle
  5. chaos
  6. confuse
  7. jumble
  8. disturb
Noun
  • So far, Bailey has shown blazing speed off the edge and an ability to create havoc in the backfield.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Although not a direct hit, Lala dumped nearly 3 feet of rain on the Big Island, bringing widespread havoc.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of havoc
Verb
  • Rendering examines how artificial intelligence is disrupting the entertainment industry, taking you inside key battlegrounds and spotlighting change-makers wielding the technology for good and ill.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In the scenario, critical infrastructure in the central Finnish city of Kuopio, including power and water, has been disrupted by cyberattacks and there’s the threat of missile strikes from Finland’s neighbor, Russia.
    — Emma Burrows, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of disrupt
Noun
  • Plus, don’t miss out on handy finds like this handheld vacuum that makes quick work of small messes in tight spaces and an insulated Yeti tumbler that keeps water cold all day long.
    — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
  • One of Amy’s charges is a mess of a young mother who has had all three of her children taken away from her by the state.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of mess
Verb
  • The filmmaker has likened his perspective in this project to that of Dorothy’s dog Toto in The Wizard of Oz, alert to the shuffling feet beneath the curtain rather than being bamboozled by the shyster title character’s techno showmanship.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Not much else changed in Class 5A, besides Azle and Arlington Seguin shuffling down two spots with Week 2 losses.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of shuffle
Noun
  • Chaos fatigue isn’t the only side dish being served with the recent rash of court orders; chaos consequences appear to be on a platter as well.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The court, in the unanimous decision, placed the blame for the chaos directly at Hoskins.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of chaos
Verb
  • The Polo Room Not to be confused with Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar, the Polo Room takes its name from the actual sport—international polo star Nacho Figueras is a co-owner, and his Argentine heritage runs throughout the restaurant.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • There’s no complicated touchscreen to confuse older family members or young kids, either.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of confuse
Noun
  • Arches and natural bridges sweep like buttresses from jumbles of rock, giving this landscape a mystical, cathedral-like quality.
    — Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Macaroons are chewy jumbles of coconut bound together with egg whites and sweetened condensed milk.
    — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of jumble
Verb
  • Also, the ship uses dynamic positioning in many cases versus anchoring and disturbing the ocean.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Yellow jackets are often the most aggressive, especially when scavenging for food or if their ground nests are disturbed.
    — Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of disturb

Browse Nearby Words

disarranging
disarray
disarrayed
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Cite this Entry

“Disarray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disarray. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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