hurly-burly

noun

ˌhər-lē-ˈbər-lē How to pronounce hurly-burly (audio)
Definition of hurly-burlynext
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity lost sight of his children in all the hurly-burly of the fair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of hurly-burly But mostly for my parents, who had worked so hard for so many years to create a refuge from the hurly-burly of the outside world. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025 The image’s low contrast and lack of sharpness suggest that it was snapped from the hurly-burly of the piazza. — Paul Elie, The New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2023 In the hurly-burly of a modern economy, people are constantly being hurt by economic changes beyond their control. — Alan S. Blinder, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 2018 Mustard admires the fact that, rather than engage in the hurly-burly of social media, Lamar will disappear from public view for long stretches of time. — Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurly-burly
  1. commotion
  2. disturbance
  3. hurry
  4. turmoil
  5. stir
  6. fuss
  7. noise
Noun
  • With some flashing lights, this thing flying around in the sky would cause quite a commotion.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 2 July 2026
  • Any browns feeding there are less likely to have been spooked by the commotion.
    — Tom Opre, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • Even tiny electromagnetic disturbances can disrupt the quantum states that perform calculations, reducing the accuracy and reliability of the system.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
  • However, about 15 minutes into the flight, a pilot reported a passenger disturbance to air traffic control.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • Sorrell entered Week 18 with just seven tackles in 13 games, two quarterback hurries and no sacks.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • That can change in a hurry, as this year’s draft week has proved.
    — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Definition of hurry
Noun
  • Challenges to the studies include cooperation of participants as the outbreak is occurring in an area of armed conflict and political turmoil which could hinder recruitment.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Investing in gold can diversify your portfolio, as it’s seen as a safe-haven investment during times of uncertainty or turmoil and as an inflation hedge.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Definition of turmoil
Noun
  • Swift’s arrival at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium caused quite a stir there and around the country.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • There’s even Thai food ranging from curry dishes to basil stir fries.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026
Definition of stir
Noun
  • Granny’s Cafe Nothing hits the spot after a day at the lake like no-fuss, comfort food diner fare.
    — Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026
  • Brown had been expecting soup and sandwiches, but the ladies had made a fuss.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026
Definition of fuss
Noun
  • The three most common triggers included fear of strange people, fear of unfamiliar dogs and fear of unfamiliar situations like unexpected noises or objects on the sidewalk.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • For instance, in Berkeley, neighbors used CEQA — citing potential noise impact from partying students — to delay, for years, UC Berkeley’s construction of student dorms on People’s Park.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of noise

Browse Nearby Words

hurly-burlies
hurly-burly
hurrah
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Cite this Entry

“Hurly-burly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurly-burly. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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