1
as in anarchical
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
disorderly mobs roamed the streets after the fall of the city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chaotic
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
disorderly piles of clothes on various tables about the room
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 disorderly
As a reminder, the South Shore Line reserves the right to remove disorderly passengers.
—
Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
But the fighting at Lexington and Concord was unplanned on both sides, resulting in disorderly skirmishing.
—Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 17 June 2025
Some of these will thrive even if the world proceeds in a disorderly or delayed transition.
—Michael Sheldrick, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
More than 80 people were taken into custody in New York City last night after disorderly protesters threw bottles and traffic cones on streets in the vicinity of Foley Square in Lower Manhattan, the New York Police Department told Fox News on Wednesday.
—Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for disorderly
Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
But the fighting at Lexington and Concord was unplanned on both sides, resulting in disorderly skirmishing.
—Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 17 June 2025
Some of these will thrive even if the world proceeds in a disorderly or delayed transition.
—Michael Sheldrick, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
More than 80 people were taken into custody in New York City last night after disorderly protesters threw bottles and traffic cones on streets in the vicinity of Foley Square in Lower Manhattan, the New York Police Department told Fox News on Wednesday.
—Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for disorderly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disorderly
Adjective
-
His lifestyle became chaotic and dangerous, riddled with violence and crime.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
-
Things got a little chaotic and dangerous when a rogue wheel momentarily became the star of a monster truck show.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
Attorney General Pam Bondi fired an additional nine DOJ staffers who worked on criminal cases against President Trump last week.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
This is not the first time Songz has come under criminal investigation for assault.—
Rachel Scharf,
Billboard,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Doing the work of changing AI systems to respond to the White House executive order will be messy, said technologist Sahota, because where lines are drawn, and why, can initiate all sorts of political and cultural firestorms.—
Bobby Allyn,
NPR,
23 July 2025
-
Forgo your usual sleek blow dry in summertime for a breezy, messy bun.—
Ranyechi Udemezue,
Vogue,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
The chancellor is caught between febrile bond markets worried about government debt levels across advanced economies and rebellious Labour lawmakers who recently forced the government to pull back on reforms to welfare spending.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
22 July 2025
-
Once Audrey Hepburn was seen in a pair of the prototypical capri pants, everyone wanted to own them, and de Lennart’s hero product was later donned by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor: appreciated for its originally rebellious intentions and modern-woman appeal.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
An 11-minute, 13-episode 2D satire in which an Amazonian trickster spirit launches anarchic eco-pranks to repel loggers.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
15 July 2025
-
Forty-four years ago today, people who were already afraid of cities got the scare of their lives with the release of Escape From New York, John Carpenter's carceral fantasy starring an eyepatch-wearing Kurt Russell doing battle against anarchic hordes in a chaotic urban environment.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
Adjective
-
The moment of truth arrived when Adams FaceTimed Phillips— initially confused and skeptical about her whereabouts.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
25 July 2025
-
Ferguson said teammates are more confused than upset.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Whether Hong Kong’s notoriously unruly taxi sector will buy in remains to be seen.—
Clay Chandler,
Fortune,
19 July 2025
-
So far this year there have been more than 870 reports of unruly passengers on planes in the US, according to FAA data.—
Aaron Cooper,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Disorderly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disorderly. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share