havoc 1 of 2

noun

ˈha-vək How to pronounce havoc (audio)
Definition of havocnext
1
as in hell
a state in which everything is out of order computer network problems created havoc throughout the office

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devastation
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless the powerful hurricane wreaked havoc all along the coast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

havoc

2 of 2

verb

as in to ravage

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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 havoc
Noun
That also plays havoc with his control over his web-shooting capabilities, both the old-school organic method and the tech version built for him by Tony Stark. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 These aren’t just wins for Kyiv’s coffers, or for its ability to wreak fresh havoc on Russian targets. — Thomas Nagorski, Time, 27 July 2026
Verb
The change launches biannual arguments about the practice, wrecks havoc on sleep and has inspired voters to go to California polls. — Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026 Even after hours of fast traveling, horseback riding, and slowly jogging from point A to point B, there were more quests to find, gear to loot, and havoc to wreak. — PC Magazine, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for havoc
Recent Examples of Synonyms for havoc
  1. hell
  2. devastation
  3. ravage
  4. chaos
  5. destruction
  6. plunder
  7. mess
  8. loss
Noun
  • By this point in the Tom Holland era, the idea of the multiverse had been introduced and popularized — hell, the Spider-Man franchise already centered it in Into the Spider-Verse three years prior.
    — Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The game is also not easy; there’s a lot of bullet hell here, and many rooms are tight and filled with hazards and enemies.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
Definition of hell
Noun
  • But although smallpox’s European origins are clear based on the timeline of its devastation, epidemiologists have yet to identify strong genetic evidence to support this arc.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
  • In 2016, a series of massive earthquakes killed 275 people, injured thousands more and caused widespread devastation, with more than 200,000 homes damaged.
    — Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 29 July 2026
Definition of devastation
Verb
  • The United States sent back more than 100 Venezuelans on a repatriation flight on Monday, the first time since deadly earthquakes ravaged the South American nation in late June.
    — Rocio Munoz, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • And now, as Ebola ravages the Congo, advocates say that this is exactly the sort of outbreak that money and coordination was intended to contain.
    — Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of ravage
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
Noun
  • Since October 2023, the number and severity of settler attacks have skyrocketed, including arson and other destruction of property, the killing of livestock, violent assaults and murder, taking place almost every day.
    — Kamel Musallet, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
  • While the film has long been remembered for ambition, excess, and destruction, Tyga saw another narrative waiting beneath the chaos—a love story.
    — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of destruction
Verb
  • In vivid strokes of saffron orange and seafoam green watercolors, Wilson rendered a vibrant portrait of herself plundering birthday cake by the handful as party guests languished around the frame.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
  • As long as the contents of a container have not been plundered outright, they can even be delivered to the recipient after an accident, albeit with some delay.
    — Alexander Klose, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Definition of plunder
Noun
  • Early on, the Pisces Moon in your 4th House of Home opposes Venus in your 10th House of Career, so family needs, private emotions, or household mess may compete with public responsibilities.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • An election is coming, and only the voters can fix this mess — at the ballot box in November.
    — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of mess
Noun
  • More than 2 million acres had burned, the center said – that’s twice the previous 10-year average for the period, and the highest loss in 14 years.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Skubal took the loss in the decisive Game 5 of the division series against Cleveland in 2024 and then got a no-decision in a 15-inning loss to Seattle in Game 5 of the division series last year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of loss

Browse Nearby Words

having to do with
havoc
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Cite this Entry

“Havoc.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/havoc. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of havoc for Spanish Speakers

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