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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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 See All Example Sentences for higgledy-piggledy
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
  • Impact Backers say Measure E would clean up those messy governmental issues.
    — Times staff, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • They are retained here as if to underscore the messy peculiarity of the world left behind.
    — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of messy
Adverb
  • But this season has shown anything can happen in the topsy-turvy SEC.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Reducing Gulliver’s Travels to only a topsy-turvy tale of humans both tiny and massive is to ignore the savage intellect that penned its words.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of topsy-turvy
Adjective
  • In order to avoid large crowds and a chaotic shopping experience, customers might want to stay away from Costco on certain afternoons.
    — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Engineered with bold resonant audio and booming bass, an IP67 waterproof and dustproof exterior, up to 20 hours of battery life, and convenient USB-C charge-out support, it is built for every chaotic adventure.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of chaotic
Adverb
  • However, that stiffness can make physical interactions harder to manage, especially when objects move unpredictably or require a softer touch.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Over time, the tags fall off or attach chaotically, meaning tags are inconsistent between cells and genes start turning on unpredictably.
    — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of unpredictably
Adjective
  • But their fervor ironically winds up being counterproductive, yielding a jumbled tonal mess that feels deadly serious one moment and like parody the next.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Entering the season, two quarterbacks sit in the top tier, followed by a drop-off to the second and third tiers — both of which are crowded and jumbled.
    — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of jumbled
Adverb
  • To be clear, this remains a bull market, the S&P 500's uptrend unbroken, with constant rotations between AI tech and remainder of the market fitfully supporting the tape, with pullbacks limited to 3% for half a year.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Using the history of gay male desire in different time periods — dangerous, clandestine, outlawed and at long last fitfully accepted — the film examines legacy and what gets handed down across time.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 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
  • Running or Leaking Toilet Some toilets leak or run intermittently, quietly enough to go unnoticed.
    — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In 2024, Tony Hout joined the vaccine trial at MD Anderson after seeking care for a spot on his ear that had been bleeding intermittently and wouldn’t fully heal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of intermittently

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higgledy-piggledy
high
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“Higgledy-piggledy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/higgledy-piggledy. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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