chaos

noun

cha·​os ˈkā-ˌäs How to pronounce chaos (audio)
Synonyms of chaos
1
a
: a state of utter confusion
the blackout caused chaos throughout the city
b
: a confused mass or mixture
a chaos of television antennas
2
a
often Chaos : a state of things in which chance is supreme
especially : the confused unorganized state of primordial matter before the creation of distinct forms compare cosmos
b
: the inherent unpredictability in the behavior of a complex natural system (such as the atmosphere, boiling water, or the beating heart)
3
obsolete : chasm, abyss

Synonyms of chaos

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Examples of chaos in a Sentence

The loss of electricity caused chaos throughout the city. When the police arrived, the street was in total chaos. The country had descended into economic chaos.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Kateri’s section is quieter and methodical like its central hero, who slips undetected among this community to sow her chaos and reap her revenge. — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026 The irony, of course, is that this very haphazardness is orchestrated by Dante, who is putting all the references together with intention — the intention of creating the illusion of no intention, of chaos. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026 In IconArrows pointing outwards The CNBC chart above captures the chaos, as the back and forth drama continues around the Strait. — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 His teammate, Stephen Jackson, followed him, and within minutes players and fans were throwing haymakers at one another, creating terrifying chaos and images that would haunt the league. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chaos

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek — more at gum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of chaos was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing chaos

Browse Nearby Words

Chao Phraya
chaos
Chaoshan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chaos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaos. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on chaos

Nglish: Translation of chaos for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chaos

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