Synonyms of mayhem

mayhem

noun

as in violence

actions that hurt people and destroy things; a scene or situation that involves a lot of violence

Movies seem to be filled with murder and mayhem these days.

a criminal who escaped from prison and caused mayhem

Related Words

• violence
• brutality
• injury
• terror
• riot
• outrage
• mutilation
• damage
• attack
• crippling
• maiming
• harm
• savagery
• barbarity
• assault
• hurt
• rampage
• threat
• foul play
• frenzy
• rage
• impairment
• shock
• upheaval
• revolt
• outbreak
• turbulence
• detriment
• force
• fury
• thrashing
• onslaught
• smashing
• pummeling
• clubbing
• whipping
• mauling
• tumult
• thumping
• bashing
• pounding
• whaling
• flogging
• beating
• hammering
• buffeting
• rupture
• paddling
• drubbing
• paroxysm
• battery
• battering
• bludgeoning
• uproar
• licking
• pelting
• belting
• bullying
• lacing
• batting
• storm
• tromping
• walloping
• bulldozing
• cudgeling
• socking
• pommeling
• browbeating
• hectoring
• strong-arming

Dissimilar Words

• pacifism
• nonviolence
• pacificism

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of mayhem

The mayhem is so immediately widespread, simply getting back up to mom’s flat proves life-threatening. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026

This South Florida city once known for spring break mayhem is all grown up, so book a post-cruise stay. — Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 23 July 2026

As the gleeful mayhem of Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the men’s World Cup final settled around MetLife Stadium, three-time Ballon d’Or winner and reigning women’s World Cup champion Aitana Bonmatí approached Spain captain Rodri. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Its extended depictions of the Trojan War are full of general mayhem, but specific violent acts are either seen in very brief snatches or alluded to through cutaways. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 July 2026

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