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

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
Yet the predictable conclusion—that the Democrats are once again in disarray—could not be drawn, at least not fully. — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026 That campaign season had begun with the opposition in disarray, as the government banned leading candidates. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 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
  1. havoc
  2. disrupt
  3. mess
  4. shuffle
  5. chaos
  6. confuse
  7. jumble
  8. disturb
Noun
  • Iran has aimed significant firepower at its neighbors’ refineries, oil exports and tourist attractions, inflicting economic havoc on the Gulf states and the countries that do business with them.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This can create a tricky situation if those roots are causing havoc around your home’s foundation or otherwise disrupting your landscaping.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of havoc
Verb
  • Bondele was among hundreds of Ebola response workers in Bunia who staged strikes and protests over unpaid wages in recent weeks, at times abandoning health facilities and disrupting parts of the response as the outbreak continued to spread.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And maybe some Gen Zers are undersocialized and under-prepared after their education was disrupted by a global pandemic.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of disrupt
Noun
  • Washable Orthopedic Dog Bed A versatile, waterproof dog bed mat that’s great for crates, travel and high-mess pups.
    — Jessica Moore, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Be careful to not use too much, or you’ll be left with a soapy mess.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of mess
Verb
  • The results indicated continued progress in CVS' broader turnaround plan, which has involved cutting $2 billion in costs, closing underperforming stores, shuffling leadership and reducing costs within Medicare Advantage plans.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Few heads turn despite her tall, unmistakable frame shuffling across the floor.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of shuffle
Noun
  • For a series built around the unsettling idea of collective perfection, Pluribus works because each department thrived in the chaos of creation.
    — Deadline, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike now, when Google is widely seen as both portal and gatekeeper, sites like AltaVista, Lycos, Excite, HotBot, and Ask Jeeves promised to tame the chaos, each with its own suite of quirks, charms, and flaws.
    — Alan Bradley, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of chaos
Verb
  • The Studio Behind The Technology Annapurna Studios (not to be confused with the Megan Ellison-founded Annapurna Pictures in Hollywood) has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for half a century.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • But there is the risk that his strategy will backfire by confusing investors.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 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
  • Burke’s friends and acquaintances who spoke with Rolling Stone were similarly disturbed.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
  • China’s introduction of a common buying agency has disturbed what has been an evenly balanced relationship which has sometimes favored one side over the other, but which eventually finds equilibrium.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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