as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the foofaraw that accompanies any big wedding
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Recent Examples of foofaraw
For many Americans who don’t celebrate Christmas, sitting out the foofaraw while the whole country conducts Christmas consumption is an annual dose of alienation.
—
Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 23 Nov. 2020
No foofaraw: Of course a cleric—in Chih’s case, one who belongs to a holy order tasked with traveling the land and collecting stories—wouldn’t concern themself with gender.
—Wired Staff, Wired, 29 Sep. 2020
What was Anne Boleyn up to while this whole Charles Brandon foofaraw was happening in England?
—Anne Thériault, Longreads, 25 May 2018
Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 23 Nov. 2020
No foofaraw: Of course a cleric—in Chih’s case, one who belongs to a holy order tasked with traveling the land and collecting stories—wouldn’t concern themself with gender.
—Wired Staff, Wired, 29 Sep. 2020
What was Anne Boleyn up to while this whole Charles Brandon foofaraw was happening in England?
—Anne Thériault, Longreads, 25 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foofaraw
Noun
-
Linderbaum, a Pro Bowl selection in each of the past three seasons, signed a three-year, $81 million deal with the Raiders at the start of free agency, which added additional intrigue to the commotion surrounding Baltimore’s abandonment of the Crosby trade.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Could hear what sounded like gunshots or commotion.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the 1980s, many people didn't understand what the fuss was about, longtime broadcast journalist Joie Chen recalls.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
6 May 2026
-
Since then, thousands have flocked to theaters nationwide to see the award-winning performer and find out what all the fuss is about.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
But, in historic gold-rush regions, prospectors use it to identify disturbances in the landscape that are suggestive of former mining operations, in the hope of finding overlooked stores.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Talks to purchase the animals began months before the April disturbance, and Simmons said her group wasn’t connected to the protests.—
David Fischer,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
It’s caused quite a stir among fans, who barely missed out on another free meal Tuesday in the Royals’ 5-3 win over the Guardians.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
6 May 2026
-
Tonight’s Met Gala will bring together celebrities for a glamorous evening of fundraising and fashion, but this year’s billionaire sponsor is causing quite a stir.—
Toni Odejimi,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Arteta sprinted off to retrieve the ball like a man possessed, in a hurry.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
-
Topped with special sauce and pickle slices, these will be gone in a hurry.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The bloc has been forging new trade relationships, like an expansive trade agreement with the European Union, in the wake of the tariff turmoil that has seen many of America’s closest trade ties unravel.—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
On the surface, Middle of Nowhere outlines the turmoil before and after an ex’s disappearing act.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foofaraw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foofaraw. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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