dishevel

verb

di·​shev·​el di-ˈshev-əl How to pronounce dishevel (audio)
disheveled or dishevelled; disheveling or dishevelling di-ˈshe-v(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dishevel (audio)
Synonyms of dishevelnext

transitive verb

: to throw into disorder or disarray
dishevelment
di-ˈshev-əl-mənt How to pronounce dishevel (audio)
noun

Synonyms of dishevel

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Examples of dishevel in a Sentence

decorations for the garden wedding that had been disheveled by the wind
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.
In July, 14-year-old Jackie was found on the shore of the lake, underweight and disheveled after sparring with younger eagles. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Grutman approaches Hart’s character, who is on the ground dazed and disheveled from a wild night out. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 While the flowers may have been a casualty of the high temperatures and humid weather in New York on July 3, some commenters speculated that the bouquet was disheveled from the bouquet toss itself. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Boots were made to look deliberately disheveled, with tiny ladybirds across them. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dishevel

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from disheveled

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dishevel was in 1598

Rhymes for dishevel

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Browse Nearby Words

disheritor
dishevel
disheveled
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Cite this Entry

“Dishevel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dishevel. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dishevel

verb
di·​shev·​el dish-ˈev-əl How to pronounce dishevel (audio)
disheveled or dishevelled; disheveling or dishevelling -ˈev-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dishevel (audio)
: to throw into disorder : make untidy
the wind disheveled her clothes

More from Merriam-Webster on dishevel

Nglish: Translation of dishevel for Spanish Speakers

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