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. tumultuously
Adjective
  • The fan-favorite Green secured a career-defining victory, capitalizing on a chaotic finish involving top contenders like Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, and Lash Legend.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • These essentials, and so much more, have completely transformed my chaotic packing system into a seamless one.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 1 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
  • Each baby wore a collar with a chain and had a messy bed of straw.
    — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The way the film gets to that epic crossover moment is a little messy — Peter’s intentions of trying to rehabilitate invading villains like Doc Ock (Alfred Molina) and the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) are noble but sadly naïve in a frustrating way.
    — Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 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
  • An experiment with artificial intelligence at the annual Richard Wagner festival in the southeastern German town of Bayreuth drew boos from the audience after producing a staging that appeared to leave some spectators confused.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • An experiment with artificial intelligence at the famed annual Richard Wagner festival in the southeastern German town of Bayreuth drew boos from the audience after producing a staging that appeared to leave some spectators confused.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of confused
Adverb
  • 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
  • Without clear governance, agents roam aimlessly through data warehouses looking for credible information, then check the results after the fact — wasting time and tokens, and generating inconsistent actions.
    — Sumeet Agrawal, Fortune, 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
  • Rob and White were engaged in 2016 before tumultuously calling it quits in 2017.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
  • The decade ended tumultuously, with the Osmond family’s fortune drained by a series of swindlers and grifters.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of tumultuously

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 Aug. 2026.

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