as in violence
actions that hurt people and destroy things; a scene or situation that involves a lot of violence
Movies seem to be filled with murder and mayhem these days. a criminal who escaped from prison and caused mayhem
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mayhem
Vaughn was previously convicted of on three counts each of armed assault to murder and mayhem, and a single count of unlawful possession of ammunition in 2007.
—
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
Even Panthers coach Paul Maurice joined the mayhem in getting ejected.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
The important thing is that The Muppet Show feels generally right — including in its demographic-spanning comic aim, with enough double entendre and insinuation for the grown-ups and mayhem for the kids.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
And with so much murder and mayhem in our contemporary history, many Iranians treat one another with suspicion and rancor.
—Arash Azizi, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mayhem
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
Even Panthers coach Paul Maurice joined the mayhem in getting ejected.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
The important thing is that The Muppet Show feels generally right — including in its demographic-spanning comic aim, with enough double entendre and insinuation for the grown-ups and mayhem for the kids.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
And with so much murder and mayhem in our contemporary history, many Iranians treat one another with suspicion and rancor.
—Arash Azizi, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mayhem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mayhem
Noun
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But some experts on gun violence are still wary of endorsing the program.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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The film delves into young sisters’ lives shaped by ancestral violence and the lasting impact of abuse.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The sly blend of beauty and brutality is also apparent in the film’s sound design.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
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The protagonist, Frannie’s, story begins in a plantation in Jamaica, the brutality of which is chillingly evoked, but by moving much of the novel’s action to London, Sara Collins helps show just how tightly interwoven Black Caribbean history is with the history of the UK.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Schwesinger also battled through an ankle injury this season, playing 16 of 17 games for Kevin Stefanski’s club.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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After several years of gradual development amid shifting roles and a major shoulder injury, Dosunmu cemented himself as an elite two-way player this season.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The critical bulletin issued to pilots and airlines not to fly below 18,000 feet was initially set for 10 days, a duration for a full grounding not used since the 9/11 terror attacks.—
Jennifer Jacobs,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
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The film delves into the fragility of the human mind, the dangers of AI warfare, and the indomitable spirit required to confront terror in an increasingly digital world.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mayhem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mayhem. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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