Synonyms for

Chaos

Verb / ˈkeɪɑ:s / Another word for chaos — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

complete disorder and confusion

Synonyms & similar words

topsyturvydom chaos bedlam topsyturvyness pandemonium disorder confusion turmoil tumult disarray mayhem pandemonium bedlam anarchy uproar havoc madness clutter jumble muddle mess mix-up unpredictability

Synonyms by register

Formal

disorder anarchy disarray tumult

Informal

mess jumble mayhem bedlam

Literary

maelstrom pandemonium abyss

Antonyms

order calm peace harmony tranquility serenity method

Common collocations

  • utter chaos
  • complete chaos
  • total chaos
  • chaos theory
  • reign of chaos
  • chaos and confusion
  • descend into chaos

Word family

noun chaos
adjective chaotic

Usage note

Chaos refers to a state of complete disorder and confusion. It is often used in scientific contexts, such as 'chaos theory', but also in everyday language to describe a messy or uncontrolled situation.

Example sentences

  1. The classroom was in chaos after the substitute teacher left.
  2. The storm caused chaos in the city.
  3. The game turned into chaos after the referee made a controversial call.
  4. The company was in chaos after their CEO resigned unexpectedly.
  5. The concert turned into chaos when the power went out.

Quotes

  • Chaos was the law of nature; Order was the dream of man. - Henry Adams
  • Out of chaos comes order. - Friedrich Nietzsche
  • The most common form of despair is not being who you are. - Søren Kierkegaard

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