hurly-burly

noun

ˌhər-lē-ˈbər-lē How to pronounce hurly-burly (audio)
Definition of hurly-burlynext
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity lost sight of his children in all the hurly-burly of the fair

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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 hurly-burly But mostly for my parents, who had worked so hard for so many years to create a refuge from the hurly-burly of the outside world. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025 Mustard admires the fact that, rather than engage in the hurly-burly of social media, Lamar will disappear from public view for long stretches of time. — Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2024 The image’s low contrast and lack of sharpness suggest that it was snapped from the hurly-burly of the piazza. — Paul Elie, The New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2023 In the hurly-burly of a modern economy, people are constantly being hurt by economic changes beyond their control. — Alan S. Blinder, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurly-burly
  1. commotion
  2. disturbance
  3. hurry
  4. turmoil
  5. stir
  6. fuss
  7. noise
Noun
  • Another trip to Uptown on May 20-21, 1977, causing police to shut Lawrence Avenue down in both directions due to such commotion outside the Aragon Ballroom entrance.
    — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • Hassan was livid on the touchline and was seen making a cross gesture with his arms during all the commotion, a symbol introduced by FIFA for managers to alert the referees of a racist incident.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • With breaking the sound barrier comes a sonic boom, a massive noise disturbance that led the FAA to ban supersonic flight over land in the first place.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 6 July 2026
  • These persons came to our city with the intent on causing harm, injury, and destruction, bringing harassment, disturbances, and mayhem.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • Sorrell entered Week 18 with just seven tackles in 13 games, two quarterback hurries and no sacks.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • That can change in a hurry, as this year’s draft week has proved.
    — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Definition of hurry
Noun
  • Challenges to the studies include cooperation of participants as the outbreak is occurring in an area of armed conflict and political turmoil which could hinder recruitment.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Investing in gold can diversify your portfolio, as it’s seen as a safe-haven investment during times of uncertainty or turmoil and as an inflation hedge.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Definition of turmoil
Noun
  • Among them was a Washington, DC, think tank, which recently caused a stir with a report proposing to cap annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 to shore up the retirement trust fund.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • The red card, a penalty action that serves as one of soccer's most recognizable symbols, has caused quite a stir at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of stir
Noun
  • Granny’s Cafe Nothing hits the spot after a day at the lake like no-fuss, comfort food diner fare.
    — Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026
  • Brown had been expecting soup and sandwiches, but the ladies had made a fuss.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026
Definition of fuss
Noun
  • The three most common triggers included fear of strange people, fear of unfamiliar dogs and fear of unfamiliar situations like unexpected noises or objects on the sidewalk.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • For instance, in Berkeley, neighbors used CEQA — citing potential noise impact from partying students — to delay, for years, UC Berkeley’s construction of student dorms on People’s Park.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of noise

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hurly-burlies
hurly-burly
hurrah
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Cite this Entry

“Hurly-burly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurly-burly. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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