1
: marked by chaos or being in a state of chaos : completely confused or disordered
a chaotic political race
After he became famous, his life became even more chaotic.
They may look chaotic and barbaric, but scrums are a critical and strategic part of the game, and they unfold and escalate according to hockey's venerated, unwritten rules of engagement.—
David Fleming
David FlemingTo the uninitiated visitor, the seemingly chaotic energy of a typical Thai market may give the impression of a free-for-all, …—Diane Ruengsom
Diane Ruengsom2
mathematics
: having outcomes that can vary widely due to extremely small changes in initial conditions
In other words, what comes out of the program's equations is extremely sensitive to what goes in. And that, as any mathematician would recognize, is one of the hallmarks of chaotic systems.—Ingrid Wickelgren
Ingrid WickelgrenA physical system—a weather system, say—is chaotic if a very slight change in initial conditions sends the system off on a very different course.—Physics Today
Physics TodayExamples of chaotic in a Sentence
a chaotic cellar sorely in need of some straightening up
Recent Examples on the Web
This fresh, modern reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic by Andrew Ahn follows a group of friends who need to get married for convenience—until family arrives, and the plan spirals into extravagant, chaotic mayhem.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
Moreover, the chaotic layoff of federal workers will likely lead to a rise in unemployment and tightening of spending by those losing their jobs.
—Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
But largely, Oscar night was pleasantly familiar, a respite after years of relatively chaotic ceremonies.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
Cam is forced to leave the family's L.A. basketball team in the hands of his sister Isla (Hudson), who is also navigating the chaotic sibling dynamic with her scheming brothers Sandy (Drew Tarver) and Ness (Scott MacArthur).
—Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
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Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
Moreover, the chaotic layoff of federal workers will likely lead to a rise in unemployment and tightening of spending by those losing their jobs.
—Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
But largely, Oscar night was pleasantly familiar, a respite after years of relatively chaotic ceremonies.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
Cam is forced to leave the family's L.A. basketball team in the hands of his sister Isla (Hudson), who is also navigating the chaotic sibling dynamic with her scheming brothers Sandy (Drew Tarver) and Ness (Scott MacArthur).
—Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chaotic
Cite this Entry
“Chaotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaotic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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