1
as in malfunctioning
not being in working order
The website went haywire when it was overloaded with visitors seeking tickets.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mad
unable to think in a clear or sensible way
She gradually went haywire with grief after the tragic death of her husband.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in amuck
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haywire
Adjective
-
Marketing and advertising have undergone a similar shift from mad men to math men.—
Kian Bakhtiari,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025 -
Hurwitz is a descendant of Bernstein and the mad d.j.s, the heir to the most expressive of musical explainers and celebrants.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
After a solid 2023 where former world champion Fernando Alonso captured multiple podium finishes, 2024 was a down year ,and 2025 has been ever worse, leaving Aston Martin ranked near the bottom of the Constructor’s Standings.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
31 July 2025
-
Despite the down year, the Cowboys felt confident enough to make an investment in Ferguson.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
The counselor also told police Trotman had had a previous psychotic break in which he was found wandering the woods.—
Peter Hermann,
Washington Post,
7 Feb. 2023
-
Lewis prescribed Price anti-psychotic medication after a mental health referral Sept. 1.—
Thomas Saccente,
Arkansas Online,
17 Jan. 2023
Adjective
-
There is a broken down vehicle on I-40/US-71 from Longview Road to Red Bridge Road.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, survived but suffered multiple broken bones, a traumatic brain injury and psychological effects.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
-
If 51% of the population is being so underserved, the ratio to opportunity is insane.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Followers are useless, but engaged customers and a devoted tribe of community members are priceless.—
Solo Ceesay,
Rolling Stone,
28 July 2025
-
Fertilizing before heavy rain is useless at best and harmful at worst.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
But also, the Big Ten’s maniacal College Football Playoff push and, of course, realignment.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
-
Christopher McDonald also reprises his role as maniacal pro-golfer Shooter McGavin, while Benny Safdie, Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce and Sandler’s real-life wife and kids — Jackie, Sunny and Sadie — joined the cast.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
29 July 2025
Adverb
-
The San Diego Padres desperately need to add a left fielder at the trade deadline.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
-
While athleticism and maximum effort are always evident with Volpe, the Yankees desperately need stability at shortstop right now instead of below-average performances accompanied by ongoing concerns at third base.—
Wayne G. McDonnell,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Haywire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haywire. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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