Synonyms for

Havoc

Verb / ˈhævʌk / Another word for havoc — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

widespread destruction or chaos

Synonyms & similar words

mayhem chaos mayhem disorder turmoil confusion upheaval destruction ruin waste devastation carnage annihilation demolition destruction ruination desolation wreckage damage disarray disorganization

Synonyms by register

Formal

disruption mayhem chaos destruction

Informal

mess wreck pandemonium bedlam

Literary

ruin desolation tumult

Antonyms

order calm peace harmony tranquility serenity quiet

Common collocations

  • wreak havoc
  • cause havoc
  • utter havoc
  • havoc and destruction
  • havoc in the streets
  • widespread havoc
  • unleash havoc

Word family

noun havoc
verb havoc

Usage note

The verb form 'to havoc' is rare and often considered non-standard; 'wreak havoc' is the much more common idiomatic expression.

Example sentences

  1. The earthquake caused havoc in the town, destroying many buildings.
  2. The teacher was afraid that the children would wreak havoc in the classroom.
  3. The traffic jam caused havoc on the roads.
  4. The storm wreaked havoc on the beach, washing away the sand.
  5. The pandemic created havoc in the world, causing many deaths.

Quotes

  • Havoc is a sharp medicine, but it is a physician for all diseases. - Menander
  • The storm has passed and the havoc wrought is now being assessed. - Dan Lipinski
  • The havoc of war, the fall of cities, The pain of childbirth, Many times have I seen. - Ezra Pound

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