higgledy-piggledy 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of higgledy-piggledynext
as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness the quilt was a higgledy-piggledy patchwork of odd-shaped fabric scraps, each of which held a fond memory for the family

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

higgledy-piggledy

2 of 2

adverb

as in topsy-turvy

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Dissimilar Words

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 higgledy-piggledy
Adverb
Although the bowls are often artfully arranged, this version is casual, with steamed vegetables added atop the rice in a higgledy-piggledy array. — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026 The grid breaks down in Lower Manhattan and the streets begin to look higgledy-piggledy and more challenging to navigate. — Literary Hub, 14 Nov. 2025 Renovating and expanding the higgledy-piggledy building—a monumental project that finally will welcome guests in February—will usher in the next chapter in the château’s story. — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2025 Death to Order reads like an anti-thriller—this despite its international ambit and the corpses of prominent statesmen strewn higgledy-piggledy across its pages. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025 Elsbeth volunteers to stay at his schmancy, higgledy-piggledy Asian-fusion wellness center to continue the investigation. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025 The oft wild, higgledy-piggledy marketing of so many strains, preparations and products has lead to an erosion of meaning for the customer base. — Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025 Instead of obsessing over the latest higgledy-piggledy, do something useful. — Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for higgledy-piggledy
  1. messy
  2. topsy-turvy
  3. chaotic
  4. unpredictably
  5. jumbled
  6. fitfully
  7. littered
  8. intermittently
Adjective
  • Each baby wore a collar with a chain and had a messy bed of straw.
    — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The way the film gets to that epic crossover moment is a little messy — Peter’s intentions of trying to rehabilitate invading villains like Doc Ock (Alfred Molina) and the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) are noble but sadly naïve in a frustrating way.
    — Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of messy
Adverb
  • Like Mahrez, Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer seemed slightly dazed following the topsy-turvy turn of events.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026
  • But thanks to Haiti’s determination to leave an entertaining mark on this tournament, and Morocco’s shocked need to respond, the crowd were treated to a topsy-turvy fiesta of football.
    — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of topsy-turvy
Adjective
  • The fan-favorite Green secured a career-defining victory, capitalizing on a chaotic finish involving top contenders like Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, and Lash Legend.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • These essentials, and so much more, have completely transformed my chaotic packing system into a seamless one.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of chaotic
Adverb
  • Without all three, autonomous AI systems will continue to operate unpredictably, creating risks that undermine trust and reduce ROI.
    — Jesse Stockall, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • But patients also need confidence that review standards will not shift unpredictably after sponsors and investigators have designed trials in consultation with the agency.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 14 July 2026
Definition of unpredictably
Adjective
  • There’s something deeply satisfying about opening your suitcase and immediately finding your skincare instead of digging through a jumbled mess of bottles.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026
  • The tighter and more jumbled the field, the less likely that a star capable of a runaway will actually produce that outcome.
    — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of jumbled
Adverb
  • Martin Filler The Met’s new Tristan und Isolde was a vocal triumph for Lise Davidsen and Michael Spyres, but Yuval Sharon’s staging only fitfully captured the essence of Wagner’s masterpiece.
    — The New York Review of Books, The New York Review of Books, 23 May 2026
  • That’s Duncan’s dilemma from the very beginning of this fitfully hilarious episode of The Audacity.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 19 Apr. 2026
Definition of fitfully
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
Adverb
  • For the past few months, Iran has intermittently fought a war with the United States, Israel, and its Arab neighbors.
    — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • Form a mini book club together, stopping intermittently to pulse check your feelings about the same book.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of intermittently

Browse Nearby Words

hies
higgledy-piggledy
high
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“Higgledy-piggledy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/higgledy-piggledy. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about higgledy-piggledy

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