as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
predictably, the royal scandal caused quite a kerfuffle on Fleet Street
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 kerfuffle
The Disney exec in the running to succeed Bob Iger was at the center of the kerfuffle.
—
Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
The introduction of goal music when Chelsea score at Stamford Bridge has caused a proper kerfuffle, with an online petition and plenty of grumbles from supporters.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
The kerfuffle within Your Party has spawned endless jokes, memes, and obvious schadenfreude among its rivals.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 4 Oct. 2025
The California Legislature couldn’t adjourn without a bit of a last-minute kerfuffle, this time over a bill dealing with veterans‘ benefits.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kerfuffle
Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
The introduction of goal music when Chelsea score at Stamford Bridge has caused a proper kerfuffle, with an online petition and plenty of grumbles from supporters.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
The kerfuffle within Your Party has spawned endless jokes, memes, and obvious schadenfreude among its rivals.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 4 Oct. 2025
The California Legislature couldn’t adjourn without a bit of a last-minute kerfuffle, this time over a bill dealing with veterans‘ benefits.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kerfuffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kerfuffle
Noun
-
The Italian island of Palmarola is so close to Rome that it can be reached in a day trip, but far enough away that the commotion of the capital seems like another planet.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Churchgoers began whispering to one another about what to do, and then several children burst into tears during the commotion, Rebecca said.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
After a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Chelsea on November 1, a scoreline that does not reflect Tottenham’s ineptitude that day, Van de Ven and Djed Spence caused a stir by ignoring Frank’s attempts to keep the duo on the pitch to applaud the fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 2026
-
For Indiana’s part, their Heisman-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, grew up in the 305, so his grand return to the city is also causing a stir among locals.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Drinking has been found to increase the risk of many cancers, metabolic dysfunction, gut microbiome disturbances and mitochondrial toxins, Hyman said.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
However, these components proved too vulnerable to the extreme conditions, including intense shock waves and aerodynamic disturbances at low altitudes.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Light, floaty, and romantic, Pottery Barn’s voile bed skirt could easily skew frilly—but bright white cotton and sleek elegant folds help the design steer clear of fuss.—
Shoko Wanger,
Architectural Digest,
20 Jan. 2026
-
While bars rely on a deep fryer, that’s just too much fuss and mess for most of us.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
After Vance's visit, Walz said the federal government was to blame for the turmoil.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The ensuing political turmoil and power vacuum in the country tarnished its international image and rattled its diplomacy and financial markets.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Asked who currently has the edge on the course, Smith doesn’t hesitate a beat but graciously allows that the current skills gap could close in a hurry.—
Mike Dojc,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
In 2026, Trump will again dominate, a president in a hurry to reshape the global order.—
Kamal Ahmed,
Fortune,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kerfuffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kerfuffle. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
