1
as in hell
a state in which everything is out of order
computer network problems created havoc throughout the office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devastation
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless
the powerful hurricane wreaked havoc all along the coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to ravage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of havoc
Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
Even rudimentary AIs could potentially cause havoc.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Rendy Jones, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for havoc 
Noun
Supporters of the crackdown have also taken to social media to try to undermine the raid warnings, contributing false sightings to the people trying to aggregate data and generally causing havoc to try to disrupt the efforts.
—Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
Even rudimentary AIs could potentially cause havoc.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
Plankton: The Movie arrives exclusively on Netflix in 2025.
06 of 06
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (2025)
Next year SpongeBob returns to theaters with his fourth film, The Search for SquarePants, as Plankton wrecks havoc on Netflix.
—Rendy Jones, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for havoc
Recent Examples of Synonyms for havoc
Noun
-
This would be fine in previous seasons, where the ’90s storyline propelled each episode with fresh hell in every episode.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
14 Feb. 2025
-
The Cowboys seem to be more concerned about the possibility of cap hell than exhausting every last resource to win now.—
Jon Machota,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The benefit concert, which was organized by Lindsey Hartman in response to the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles in January, also featured performances from Finneas, Courtney Barnett, the Luna Lunas, Lucy Dacus, St. Vincent, Perfume Genius, and more.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
6 Feb. 2025
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The case has particular resonance in the wake of massive wildfires that ravaged the Los Angeles area last month, killing at least 29 people and destroying more than 16,000 structures.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacramento Bee,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Lawler’s Suzy is a poignant mass of fierce intellect and crushing vulnerability, of resolute determination and emotional chaos.—
Chad Jones,
The Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2025
-
The perpetrators who drove the chaos at the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol building have been duly tried and convicted for their terrible and treasonous acts.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The epic destruction that surrounds the Villa today adds an unnerving element to the exhibition’s art historical context.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Because mutually assured destruction has already occurred.—
James Hibberd,
The Hollywood Reporter,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Otto Frank requested that the spaces, plundered by the Nazis, remain vacant, their barrenness attesting to profound loss.—
Laurel Graeber,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2025
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In Charleston, Loyalists were desperate for skilled horsemen who could work as scouts and raiders, plundering Patriot homes for supplies.—
Kinsey Gidick,
Smithsonian Magazine,
12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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This business is old and a mess — there aren’t overnight solutions to any of these conversations — but the fact that these conversations are being had by such public figures is such a joy and will lead to change finally.—
Joe Lynch,
Billboard,
13 Feb. 2025
-
There was mess from the beginning, and his hands were in all of it.—
Katie Drummond,
WIRED,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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None of those players is still with the Sox as pitchers and catchers prepare to report for spring training Wednesday at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz. There are also changes in the dugout, most notably Will Venable as the new manager for a team coming off a modern-day MLB record 121 losses.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2025
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Just two weeks ago, Boise State basketball was 5-4 in Mountain West play, had lost three straight road games following a last-second loss to Colorado State, and didn’t even seem to have an identity.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The paintings are even more notable, since the tomb was likely looted, as indicated by missing inscriptions, human remains, and grave goods.—
Francesca Aton,
ARTnews.com,
13 Feb. 2025
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Last Friday evening three little boys looted the school rooms and stole marbles and jack knives.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Havoc.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/havoc. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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