bedlam

noun

ˈbed-ləm How to pronounce bedlam (audio)
Definition of bedlamnext
as in madhouse
a place of uproar or confusion there's no way I can get any reading done in this bedlam, so I'm going to the library

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 bedlam The Montreal Canadiens can book their ticket to the Eastern Conference final Saturday night in what will be absolute bedlam in that arena after taking care of business on the road yet again. — Arpon Basu, New York Times, 15 May 2026 At one point during the bedlam, a firework appears to be set off in the windshield wiper cowl, with sparks flying into the cruiser's windshield. — Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 Grand Casino Arena erupted, and bedlam broke out in the Irish half of the stadium as Sherman scored in overtime to send his squad to the semifinals. — Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026 Boise State isn’t immune to the struggles brought on by the transfer bedlam. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bedlam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bedlam
  1. madhouse
  2. circus
  3. commotion
Noun
  • Whereas this evening in the Spanish Gothic madhouse of the United Theater, most every song from Melanie’s Hadean pageant is received with near word-perfect communalism.
    — Matt Thompson, SPIN, 13 July 2026
  • Headphones are often my saving grace in this madhouse.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of madhouse
Noun
  • By now, not even third-rate circuses would hire me, much less an outfit like Hep Spyder’s, the World’s Famous Bushwick Circus.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Set in the 1950s, Juul follows 17-year-old circus acrobat Juul, whose life changes forever after a tragic accident leaves her in a coma and declared brain-dead.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of circus
Noun
  • The Canadian singer caused a commotion with her ensemble, showing off a head-to-toe Alaïa ensemble from the upcoming Archetypes spring 2027 collection.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • There was no illness or injury, Krauss said, but the dog seemed ready to step away from the crowds and commotion.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of commotion

Browse Nearby Words

bedizens
bedlam
bedlams
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Cite this Entry

“Bedlam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bedlam. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bedlam

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bedlam

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