SHAMBOLIC Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

shambolic

adjective

Definition of shambolic

chiefly British

as in chaotic

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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

If Spain keep cool, then Argentina run hot; a warm-blooded, emotional, often chaotic side where performances swing wildly within games, never mind from one match to the next.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
In the chaotic main event, Cody Rhodes defeated Gunther by DQ when Sami Zayn interfered, escalating tensions ahead of Saturday's tag match.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of chaotic

Adjective

Police said one concertgoer was issued a summons for disorderly conduct and another for disorderly behavior.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 13 July 2026
Their charges reportedly include assaulting a police officer, disorderly behavior in a police station, disorderly behavior, resisting arrest, obscene language, escape from lawful custody, causing dangerous harm and two counts of damage and obstruction.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026

Definition of disorderly

Adjective

Studies have found that Black college women, as a group, report greater body satisfaction and lower rates of disordered eating than white women of comparable weight.

— Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Research shows that such bodily scrutiny is already damaging transgender youth and that bodily shame can significantly affect young people’s mental health, leading to disordered eating and other physical and psychological harm.

— Megan Gandy, The Conversation, 1 July 2026

Definition of disordered

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shambling

shambolic

shame

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“Shambolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shambolic. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of shambolic

adjective

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