disorderly

adjective

Definition of disorderlynext
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 messy
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

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 disorderly Several people were arrested and charged with simple assault and disorderly offenses during an anti-ICE protest in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Saturday. — Nikki Dementri, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026 Bessent’s maneuvers are distinct, some observers say, by not being prompted by crisis or particularly disorderly market conditions. — Christopher Anstey, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026 By 2002, Beijing decided to rein in the disorderly competition. — Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Habib, who joined the department in 2007, was responding to a 911 call at a Bronx catering hall in 2023 when a drunk and disorderly man resisted arrest, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disorderly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disorderly
  1. criminal
  2. messy
  3. rebellious
  4. chaotic
  5. anarchic
  6. littered
  7. unruly
  8. sloppy
Adjective
  • Caddell remains under administration, and the criminal investigation against the company and two of its managers in Italy is continuing, prosecutors said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • But that shifted in recent years as criminal justice advocates called attention to the issue.
    — Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of criminal
Adjective
  • Nonna’s Meatball Sandwich Making meatballs at home can be a messy, overwhelming task.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The actors split in 2016, following 12 years together in total, although their messy divorce was only finalized in December 2024.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of messy
Adjective
  • Crafted with a classic fit, the leather jacket added unexpected tensions to Watts’s Q&A attire, a contrasting piece that incorporated a rebellious and youthful energy.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The duo leaned all the way into the era’s punk-rock aesthetic, serving the kind of rebellious, perfectly undone style that practically defined the early aughts.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • But the image that stays with me is of a meeting with Olga, climbing the winding stairs of our little building for a somewhat chaotic coffee in the festival’s office.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Explore See latest videos, charts and news Turnstile is the first hardcore band to appear on SNL since Fear’s famously chaotic performance back in 1981.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of chaotic
Adjective
  • The poet, Pavese implies, is a creature of Chaos—that anarchic state in which good is mixed with bad and monsters mingle with men and gods.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Together, the two embark on an anarchic mother-and-daughter journey to reconnect.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of anarchic
Adjective
  • In the past, her songs were so littered with personal details that listening felt voyeuristic.
    — Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Definition of littered
Adjective
  • The change also covers medical emergencies that are not the airline’s fault, the removal of unruly passengers, certain cyberattacks, and aircraft damage caused by extreme weather or debris.
    — Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Created under O’Hare’s leadership, the decorum policy prohibits personal attacks, impertinent, profane, obscene, or slanderous remarks as well as threatening, disruptive or unruly behavior.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of unruly
Adjective
  • The Mets allowed four earned runs in an exceptionally sloppy third inning, losing a 3-2 lead.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • But that response, or leadership — a trait teammates and coaches see far more from Herbert than the public — is one of several reasons why the Chargers are supporting their quarterback despite the offense’s sloppy start to the season.
    — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of sloppy

Phrases Containing disorderly

Browse Nearby Words

disorderliness
disorderly
disorderly house
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Cite this Entry

“Disorderly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disorderly. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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