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
  • During the actual stream, things moved quickly beyond gambling, turning into something closer to a chaotic Drake variety show.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Kitchen The kitchen is a hard-working space that can feel chaotic—but doesn’t have to.
    — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of chaotic
Adverb
  • Not Considering the Plant’s Future Avoid pruning haphazardly without carefully evaluating the situation first.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 16 July 2026
  • Hanging your art and photos haphazardly is a quick way to make your collection feel more chaotic than inspiring.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 July 2026
Definition of haphazardly
Adjective
  • April 20 – May 20 Steady steps make messy tasks feel manageable.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Everyone has a plan, sure, and sometimes an ironclad belief in their motivations for that plan, but something always twists itself into a messy little knot in the execution.
    — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of messy
Adverb
  • The theater is known for goofy, campy, original musical theater shows that riotously riff on fairy tales, folklore, TV shows and other familiar cultural tropes.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026
  • Amid all the riotously vibrant production design and uniquely wide shots made possible by custom Panavision lenses, most of Riley’s themes are fairly accessible.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 May 2026
Definition of riotously
Adjective
  • Kat is confused and correct that giving her no explanation was an awful way of going about it.
    — Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Needless to say, that left everyone in Toronto a little confused.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of confused
Adverb
  • Locals were concerned by the thousands of mostly young men aimlessly walking the streets.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Fox will pace aimlessly around the putting green, or speak with Smith to avoid overthinking in between shots.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 20 July 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
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Cite this Entry

“Topsy-turvy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/topsy-turvy. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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