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topsy-turvy 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of topsy-turvynext
as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness the office is still topsy-turvy even though we moved in months ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

topsy-turvy

2 of 2

adverb

as in haphazard

Related Words

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 topsy-turvy
Adjective
While the plot ebbs and flows, the central desire to know more, to reach further than anyone has before you, is very relatable—Kuang is a master at work building a topsy-turvy chessboard for readers to play with. — Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 4 Dec. 2025 The absurdity of his vision matches our topsy-turvy reality. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Adverb
Make the topsy-turvy Tony experience this year part of the fun, and give us chaos this Sunday, please. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026 The sixth inning was the most crucial frame of a topsy-turvy game that was poised to be high-scoring from the start. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for topsy-turvy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for topsy-turvy
  1. chaotic
  2. haphazardly
  3. messy
  4. riotously
  5. confused
  6. aimlessly
  7. littered
  8. turbulently
Adjective
  • The air space easily becomes crowded and in the case of moving stories like car chases, a bit unpredictable and chaotic.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • And in the Prokofiev, the Philharmonic delivers a thrilling mix of chaotic exuberance and acrobatic precision.
    — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of chaotic
Adverb
  • But while the buildings appeared to be marble, they were actually made of extremely flammable plaster, pine, hemp and jute — all haphazardly draped with live electrical wires.
    — Alison J. Stein, HubSpot, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The fourth hour began haphazardly as the Today With Jenna & Sheinelle camera operator tripped over a chair during their intro segment.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of haphazardly
Adjective
  • Both parties emerged from the progressive era as messy coalitions of diverse constituencies and interests, not uniform ideologies.
    — Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
  • This is where things get messy, and many folks — oligarchs in particular — become invested in keeping the general voter confused.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of messy
Adverb
  • Delbar and Mansur meet at an organization called PeaceMeals; like much of No God But Us, PeaceMeals is riotously funny.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Nostalgic without being at all reactionary, Mitchell’s riotously crowd-pleasing blockbuster takes both of Greg and Denise’s conflicting wishes to heart.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of riotously
Adjective
  • Call them wrong, or confused, or uninformed, but these are the voters who decide elections.
    — Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The Londoner walked away looking only slightly less confused.
    — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of confused
Adverb
  • My fork hovered aimlessly over the plate while my eyes stayed fixed on the entrance.
    — Mayur Chauhan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The oceanfront infinity pool is my personal favorite, but if a book and aimlessly floating for hours on end sounds more appealing, the quiet pool will be just right.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of aimlessly
Adjective
  • In the past, her songs were so littered with personal details that listening felt voyeuristic.
    — Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The series does not touch on the tabloid attention that followed the Beckhams in 2004, when it was alleged that David had an affair with his personal assistant, Rebecca Loos, and the many further accusations of cheating that littered gossip columns after.
    — Scarlett Harris, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
Definition of littered
Adverb
  • Instead of a steady stream, rising water churns turbulently against the frigid walls of the fractures, rapidly losing heat.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of turbulently

Browse Nearby Words

topsoils
topsy-turvy
toque
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Topsy-turvy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/topsy-turvy. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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