Synonyms of kerfuffle

kerfuffle

noun

kər-ˈfə-fəl 

chiefly British

as in commotion

a state of noisy, confused activity

predictably, the royal scandal caused quite a kerfuffle on Fleet Street

Synonyms & Similar Words

• commotion
• stir
• disturbance
• fuss
• turmoil
• hurry
• storm
• noise
• racket
• clatter
• furore
• hoopla
• hubbub
• furor
• ruckus
• hullabaloo
• fun
• to-do
• uproar
• row
• hurricane
• rumpus
• zoo
• clutter
• foofaraw
• tumult
• pandemonium
• ado
• hoo-ha
• bustle
• flurry
• bother
• blather
• coil
• ballyhoo
• ruction
• roar
• bluster
• squall
• pother
• upheaval
• welter
• outcry
• hurly-burly
• whirl
• stew
• splore
• shindy
• moil
• helter-skelter
• bobbery
• hurry-scurry
• alarums and excursions
• hurly
• unrest
• cacophony
• clamor
• hubble-bubble
• din
• eruption
• disorder
• do
• howl
• brawl
• outbreak
• outburst
• scuffle
• williwaw
• fracas
• hue and cry
• flutter
• fray
• tizzy
• melee
• fever
• flare-up
• fret
• hassle
• dither
• lather

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rest
• peace
• hush
• quiet
• calm
• stillness
• tranquility
• order
• quietude
• orderliness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of kerfuffle

There is a palpable tension in the air, and Cantwell did not try to decrease the ongoing kerfuffle during her remarks in the Senate Commerce hearing last week. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026

The revelation prompted criticism from transit and street safety advocates, who said the kerfuffle demonstrated how wealth influenced city politics. — Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 24 May 2026

Juicier still, the announcement was accompanied by rumors of a kerfuffle in which the Pulitzer Board appeared to override its jury’s nominations. — Literary Hub, 15 May 2026

Before the kerfuffle, county staff told the dais that $500,000 had been paid to Recana and that any amount invoiced without services provided would not be paid. — Rachel Royster may 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!