as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the high-spirited hurly that engulfs the college campus as students begin arriving en masse for the start of the academic year
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Recent Examples of hurly
This was the last week of life for Off Vine restaurant, a treasured refuge from the hurly burly of Sunset Boulevard, housed in a bungalow with a 115-year history, a repository of countless, colorful movieland stories.
—
Linda Deutsch, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2023
Linda Deutsch, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurly
Noun
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During the commotion, the agent’s shaky cellphone video shows houses along the street and views of the sky.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
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In the heat of the moment, though, Certa was clearly walking after one of the officials, but Shrewsberry came barreling in as the official turned around to see the commotion.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Investigators said the fire was sparked following a domestic disturbance that led a woman to burn her boyfriend’s clothing in a barbecue pit on an apartment patio, FOX26 Houston reported.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
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The country’s strong standing in safety could stem from several factors, including societal structure, strict laws, and cultural focus on harmony, which keep street crime and public disturbances very low.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Hurricanes did apply pressure, recording six quarterback hurries, but wasn’t able to finish those plays.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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This one starts with that shelter imploding under the strength of a massive radiation storm that displaces the Garrity clan in a hurry, and leaves them on a lifeboat to Europe in the wretched hope that someone on the continent will offer them a safe place to plant new roots.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The project will receive nearly $70 million in tax-increment financing that created a stir among rival casino properties in Reno and was ultimately approved in a 5-2 vote last May by the city’s redevelopment agency.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
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The hot egg coffee might look a bit murky, but is very sweet and creamy, with a layer of coffee at the bottom that gives a strong hit at the end despite a good stir.—
Arundhati Hazra,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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While Nicole Kidman appeared to settle her divorce from Keith Urban quickly and without much fuss, a less amicable situation reportedly unfolded behind the scenes, in part due to the painful aftermath of her 2001 divorce from first husband Tom Cruise.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Vongerichten didn’t get his reputation for nothing; try his signature tuna tartare with avocado, radish, and a ginger marinade and you’ll be reminded what the fuss is about.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There could be some relationship turmoil popping up for you now and in the weeks ahead, Gemini.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
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Amid the turmoil, former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes Burrow is wasting his prime years in Cincinnati.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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With no wheels touching the rails, the usual clatter and vibration of trains disappear.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Sep. 2025
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In an era where fingertips skim glass screens and keyboards clatter in relentless rhythm, the act of putting pen to paper feels almost radical.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
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With the game tied at three in the final minutes, the noise level on the field sounded like multiple 747s were inches away from your ears.—
Mac Engel
January 7,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Jan. 2026
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Turns out, those crystal bowls and milk glass dishes—both of which made ample clinking noises—were perfect for alerting grandma that little ones were snagging candy before dinner.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hurly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurly. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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