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
  • 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
Adverb
  • The offensive line, which was built haphazardly, is a complete mess.
    — Jonathan M. Alexander, Houston Chronicle, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The regulatory system designed to protect farmworkers from pesticides is enforced haphazardly across California.
    — Robert J. Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of haphazardly
Adjective
  • Nonna’s Meatball Sandwich Making meatballs at home can be a messy, overwhelming task.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The actors split in 2016, following 12 years together in total, although their messy divorce was only finalized in December 2024.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 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
  • But one of them, perhaps too slow, or too confused, lingered a second longer, and the claw opened and snapped shut.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • But people on the streets of Dorohusk seemed more confused about their options in case of a real attack.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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