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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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

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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
The Tigers gave up 51 points in a loss at LSU and 41 points in a home loss to Miami, but defensive end Will Heldt has six sacks to lead a line that has created havoc. — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 Advertisement One model might top the leaderboards, but a thousand weaker models could wreak far more havoc. — Noah Giansiracusa, Time, 26 Oct. 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
  • His second, a collaboration with the Times puzzle editor Tracy Bennett, was a hefty Sunday puzzle rife with just-for-the-hell-of-it wordplay.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • But hell hath no fury like a Latino voter scorned and all this intimidation, in addition to a lack of follow-through on promises by Republican lawmakers since 2024, might have a boomerang effect by agitating Latinos into action.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of hell
Noun
  • The devastation wreaked on the Republican Party last week was simply astounding, with their candidates losing in just about every place and every spot up and down ballot.
    — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
  • And as Japan rebuilds from both wartime devastation and from Godzilla’s rampage through various cities, including Tokyo, a new threat arrives from outer space—and this one can fly.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of devastation
Verb
  • Everything else was damp and ravaged by rain Sunday afternoon inside Raymond James Stadium, so there’s no reason to think these wouldn’t be, either.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Since 2023, a new genocide has ravaged the non-Arabs of Sudan.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of ravage
Noun
  • In the movie, viewers see the regal structure, still intact, glimpsed through the office window of cranky CIA bureau chief MJ (Steve Buscemi), a key player in orchestrating the chaos.
    — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Meiser’s partner said their approach was intended to minimize chaos in the jail system.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of chaos
Noun
  • Today on the show, Planet Money goes inside the destruction lab to see that high octane experimentation in action and to learn about how the insurance industry has been quietly shaping the world around us for over a century.
    — Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The use of new production technologies also requires a degree of creative destruction that Beijing’s own industrial policy interventions have inhibited.
    — Oliver Melton, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of destruction
Verb
  • Military leaders on both sides have also plundered Sudan’s vast gold reserves, smuggling much of their takings out of the country.
    — Mat Nashed, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Social media posts and merchant reports said luxury and beauty stores, including Sephora, Celine, Burberry and Louis Vuitton, were plundered.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of plunder
Noun
  • If Uncle Sam does not change course, America’s unsustainable fiscal mess will result in adverse economic, national security, foreign relations, and domestic tranquility consequences.
    — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Andrew Schaefer, a forty-two-year-old father in Orlando, Florida, who helps people out of tax messes, also likes to wager on elections.
    — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of mess
Noun
  • Kansas defensive end Leroy Harris III’s assignment was to rush the passer on the most pivotal play of the Jayhawks’ 33-32 loss to UCF on Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Not all signal losses are the same Most consumer drones rely on several communication and navigation systems working together.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of loss

Browse Nearby Words

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havoc
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Cite this Entry

“Havoc.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/havoc. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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