as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
predictably, the royal scandal caused quite a kerfuffle on Fleet Street
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Recent Examples of kerfuffle
Patti LuPone, fresh off the set of And Just Like That…, has caused an internet kerfuffle with her astute (and deliciously eloquent) jabs at costars, former lovers, theatergoers, and even Times Square pedestrians in her recent profile in The New Yorker.
—
Raven Smith, Vogue, 28 May 2025
Other highlights include a jab at Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network and Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports for their kerfuffle at the NFL Scouting Combine, and a seemingly positive mention of former KU quarterback Jason Bean (at the expense of the Colts’ Anthony Richardson).
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
So the former Maryland center was dismayed to see how a two-week kerfuffle at his former school resulted in the departures of athletic director Damon Evans, men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard and five players.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2025
But the real thrust of the whole argument is one Dorit says to Kyle in the middle of the kerfuffle.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kerfuffle
Raven Smith, Vogue, 28 May 2025
Other highlights include a jab at Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network and Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports for their kerfuffle at the NFL Scouting Combine, and a seemingly positive mention of former KU quarterback Jason Bean (at the expense of the Colts’ Anthony Richardson).
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
So the former Maryland center was dismayed to see how a two-week kerfuffle at his former school resulted in the departures of athletic director Damon Evans, men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard and five players.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2025
But the real thrust of the whole argument is one Dorit says to Kyle in the middle of the kerfuffle.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kerfuffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kerfuffle
Noun
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Play was delayed for several minutes when a spectator needed medical attention after Alcaraz noticed the commotion in the stands.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
30 June 2025
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There followed a small commotion of friendliness—apologies, laughter—after which we were led to our seats and sent a free passion-fruit donut.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
29 June 2025
Noun
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As with all games, the results caused a stir, and Nic, Elan, Cierra, Chelley, Huda, and Ace were at the heart of the drama.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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The season 36 finale caused quite a stir with fans, but this isn't the first time a core family member bit the dust.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
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The data is normalized, de-duplicated and time-aligned in real time, ensuring that every heart-rate spike or sleep disturbance immediately informs the AI risk models.—
Gil Press,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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The whales are facing a number of threats, including declining quantity and quality of prey, toxic pollution and disturbance from vessel noise, according to the Marine Mammal Commission.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
23 June 2025
Noun
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But there was little cause for celebration at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium after Luis Enrique’s men swatted away Lionel Messi and his teammates with minimum fuss.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Salmon is an increasingly popular fish that’s easy to prepare at home with minimal fuss.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Especially given the turmoil with the other edge rushers, eyes are focused on seeing if Murphy looks like the same underachiever from the first two years or a blossoming athletic specimen.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
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The turmoil points to a clash on competing visions over how to run the economy.—
Brit Morse,
Fortune,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Being an important man Tommy was always in a hurry.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
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All three sectors know that as the Trump administration considers further policy, and as the administration’s trade talks with China progress, things could change in a hurry.—
Ethan Karp,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kerfuffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kerfuffle. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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