zoo

noun

ˈzü How to pronounce zoo (audio)
Definition of zoonext
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity the post office is always a zoo the day that tax returns are due

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 zoo Some animals in the zoo are used to heat, others could stay in the shade or inner enclosures and use various pools to keep cool. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 Beyond a better understanding of positive inter-species relationships among apes and monkeys, the researchers say further analysis could also benefit mixed animal facilities at wildlife sanctuaries and zoos. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026 His eventual involvement in an industry—created by smugglers and international crime syndicates, and in which big American zoos are also complicit—started with a single turtle. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026 Plenty of families make a beeline for the zoo, while more solemn art lovers might prefer the serene Japanese Friendship Garden. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for zoo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zoo
  1. commotion
  2. disturbance
  3. hurry
  4. stir
  5. fun
  6. racket
  7. turmoil
  8. fuss
Noun
  • In video her family shared on Instagram, several police officers can be seen running toward the commotion while parents clutch their children.
    — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 28 July 2026
  • Instead, the commotion was gunfire coming from his next door neighbor’s driveway on Zavala Road.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • Officers say the changes are aimed at addressing a recent rise in overnight disturbances while reassuring visitors and businesses that Old Sacramento remains a safe destination.
    — Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • They are identified as brain activity accompanied with multisensory disturbances and sometimes don’t even cause the signature intense pain.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 30 July 2026
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • Two years into her reign, in 2024, an insider revealed that Camilla wasn’t in any hurry to step away.
    — Starr Bowenbank, InStyle, 18 July 2026
  • Prairiewolf has always seemed bent on finding new territory while being in no particular hurry to get there.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 17 July 2026
Definition of hurry
Noun
  • Alessandro Michele‘s reinventions of the iconic Valentino Rockstud shoe caused quite the stir when introduced in his pre-fall 2026 collection — but another one of Michele’s heel styles has been quietly heating up alongside it.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • North West's tour caused a stir online, with some individuals voicing concern about Kardashian and Ye's oldest daughter touring at 13.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Definition of stir
Noun
  • As Ford Field Park is being set up with fun rides, Dearborn residents are split over the new curfew rule.
    — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The concert series includes live music, dancing, drinks and food for purchase and family fun.
    — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of fun
Noun
  • Prosecutors label him a central player in a complex, multibillion-dollar fuel-smuggling racket linked to cartels.
    — Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • After practicing with a racket with no strings to keep his groundstroke rhythm without jeopardizing the joint, Alcaraz is hitting balls again.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of racket
Noun
  • With even the trial date itself in dispute and Gulf sovereign funds backing much of the equity amid regional turmoil, the Ellisons may have won the bidding war only to inherit a much costlier fight.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The waltz seemed to leave his heart in turmoil without lifting his spirits.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of turmoil
Noun
  • The idea is to share several different plates, listen to the music — an izakaya’s ambiance is much different than that of an upscale omakase restaurant — and hang out with your friends without a lot of fuss.
    — Connie Ogle July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • The figure cited by FT also isn’t far off from what Ferrari expected the Luce to sell before the fuss caused by its debut.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 30 July 2026
Definition of fuss

Browse Nearby Words

zonks (out)
zoo
zoom
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zoo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zoo. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on zoo

Nglish: Translation of zoo for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zoo

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