SHAMBOLIC Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

shambolic

adjective

Definition of shambolic

chiefly British

as in chaotic

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 shambolic Indeed, tax policy has become shambolic and spending discipline is non-existent. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 22 Apr. 2026 The scene unfolds with shambolic good humor, starting with an exchange that sends the company scrambling to sort out who’s who. — Rhoda Feng, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026 Beirut’s traffic — a shambolic affair in the best of times — became even more chaotic, with motorists honking and shouting in a bid to reach the highway. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026 In January 2001, fed up with the shambolic and corrupt presidential rule of the former Manila mayor and movie star Joseph Estrada, Manileños once again took to EDSA in what became known as the Second People Power Revolution. — Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shambolic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shambolic

Adjective

But the image that stays with me is of a meeting with Olga, climbing the winding stairs of our little building for a somewhat chaotic coffee in the festival’s office.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
Explore See latest videos, charts and news Turnstile is the first hardcore band to appear on SNL since Fear’s famously chaotic performance back in 1981.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of chaotic

Adjective

Loyal Maids in Extravagant Mansions While Solana is a disorderly servant, Clarita reflects the trope of the loyal maid of the higher class, the societal expectation in the region.

— Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
This concern increases tenfold for flight attendants, as a negative interaction isn’t necessarily fleeting; they may be stuck in the air with rude or disorderly passengers for several hours.

— Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of disorderly

Adjective

Bossy’s direction raises the clamorous volume instead of sorting out the disordered structure or digging into the unexamined silences.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
About 6% of women across all age groups live with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, and that figure climbs to 20% or higher after menopause, according to research on sleep-disordered breathing.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of disordered

Browse Nearby Words

shambling

shambolic

shame

See all Nearby Words

Articles Related to shambolic

Cite this Entry

Style

“Shambolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shambolic. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of shambolic

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

The Great British Vocabulary Quiz

6 Obscure Words for Messes

If This List Seems Dodgy, Perhaps...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

regimen

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes