kerfuffle

noun

kər-ˈfə-fəl How to pronounce kerfuffle (audio)
Definition of kerfufflenext
chiefly British
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity predictably, the royal scandal caused quite a kerfuffle on Fleet Street

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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 kerfuffle During the Cubs recent trip to Los Angeles to play the Dodgers, PCA and the Dodgers fans had a bit of a kerfuffle. — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026 Consider this kerfuffle settled, as Sony Pictures Classics has stepped in and picked up the film. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 4 Aug. 2026 All this kerfuffle may not prevent a win for the Democrats in the midterms—Trump’s historic unpopularity means that many people will turn out just to vote against him. — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 16 July 2026 Neither departure has yet been definitively connected to the kerfuffle. — News Desk, Artforum, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for kerfuffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kerfuffle
  1. commotion
  2. stir
  3. disturbance
  4. fuss
  5. hurry
  6. turmoil
Noun
  • In the commotion, she was briefly separated from her 85-year-old mother, who lives with her.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • That allowed passengers to hear the commotion and discover what was happening.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • The video caused a mild, wholesome stir, but a stir nonetheless.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Kosmos 2612 is operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), which is part of the reason its activities have created such a stir.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of stir
Noun
  • The vote, which is veto-proof, was met with praise by animal rights groups and park advocates who have long called for the ban citing several incidents where horses crashed or caused disturbances.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • There’s also a second disturbance several hundred miles east-southeast of Bermuda that could develop through Friday while moving north-northeast, the hurricane center advisory said.
    — Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • The results are often compared to pricier dedicated mirrorless digital cameras, delivered without the fuss of tweaking exposure or heavy post-processing.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026
  • With the film opening in theaters across the US on Friday, audiences now have their turn to see what all the fuss is about.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of fuss
Noun
  • The pass rush couldn’t get close to Chambliss (no sacks, 4 hurries), who was able to find receivers exploiting Missouri’s zone coverage.
    — PJ Green October 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Defensive tackle Will Echoles consistently disrupted the Missouri offensive front for five tackles, two broken up passes, one sack and one quarterback hurry.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurry
Noun
  • In the ensuing political turmoil, health workers went on strike, vaccine orders were delayed and follow-up vaccinations that usually accompany routine programs were disrupted.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Nationwide protests over the high cost of living roiled France on Saturday, adding to turmoil over public spending and debt ahead of a critical vote in the National Assembly.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of turmoil

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kerfuffle
kerfuffles
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Cite this Entry

“Kerfuffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kerfuffle. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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