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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
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
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
  • Minamoto Yoshitsune was a strategist who went to hell and took it over, defeating the Oni who guarded hell.
    — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Goldberg has long been open about attempting to get another Sister Act movie off the ground, with Goldberg even previously listing Palmer as part of her dream cast for Sister Act 3, which has been stuck in development hell for years.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of hell
Noun
  • The mall’s survival amid the community’s devastation was not without controversy given Caruso’s use of private firefighters to ward off the flames.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Security camera photos show the devastation caused by flooding in Metamora, Indiana, where numerous businesses were damaged after severe weather hit on Wednesday.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastation
Verb
  • The boy was infected with an ultra-rare amoeba known for ravaging the brain.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026
  • An unbearable heat hangs over a world ravaged by climate change, where crime dominates everyday life.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of ravage
Noun
  • The venerable establishment was undamaged, but shut down amid the chaos.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • As climate chaos causes oceans to swallow coastlands, and as surging water displaces and devastates communities, social survival will demand that people find ways to live and work with – and on – the water.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of chaos
Noun
  • AccuWeather data from April showed Illinois already leading the nation in tornado, hail and high‑wind reports before the destruction last month.
    — Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, some vendors have sued the city to obtain public records related to the seizure and destruction of vendor equipment.
    — Da Lin, CBS News, 14 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
  • The lineup has expanded beyond its viral multi-balm, too, with lightweight SPF sticks and even a mess-minimizing grinding cleansing balm.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Aug. 2026
  • This major price cut gives pet owners, apartment renters, and busy families an easy way to clean up the mess in a single pass without retail price strain.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of mess
Noun
  • Finding the balance between preserving clubhouse culture and throwing future pieces into the fire remains complicated, even as the team dropped to 60-65 following Saturday’s 5-4 walk-off loss to the New York Mets.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Some of this can be attributed to a loss of trust in institutions, especially those tied to public health, thanks in part to the Covid-19 pandemic.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of loss

Browse Nearby Words

having to do with
havoc
havocked
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Cite this Entry

“Havoc.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/havoc. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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