MAYHEM Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

mayhem

noun

Definition of mayhem

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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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 mayhem Massive fights erupted at the Wisconsin State Fair during its chaotic closing hours Sunday, with viral video showing people in crowds throwing punches and brawling as police moved in to break up the mayhem. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026 Get an exclusive look at Universal Pictures’ Violent Night 2, the propulsive new chapter in yuletide mayhem from 87North and returning action director Tommy Wirkola, with David Harbour reprising his role as Santa Claus. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026 There are few organized activities for village children, and amid the recent tensions, everyone seems excited for a dose of happy mayhem. — Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Aug. 2026 By Tuesday, people’s efforts to secure tickets had turned into viral mayhem. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mayhem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mayhem

Noun

Writing poetry about violence is not the same as experiencing it.

— Wallis Wilde-Menozzi, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
Experts see the union as evidence that Syria might actually be putting the era of sectarian violence behind it.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of violence

Noun

The army Mladic created to fight in Bosnia was a model of ruthlessness, daring and brutality in the Serb warrior tradition, once prized in the life-or-death partisan struggle against the Nazi occupation of Yugoslavia in World War Two.

— Ivana Sekularac, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Freya is the granddaughter of Athos — a dog who survived the Russian brutality in Bucha and was found on the street where Ukrainian forces destroyed a large Russian convoy, Danylchenko told the Associated Press in an interview.

— Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of brutality

Noun

CoQ10 may indirectly improve athletic performance by reducing fatigue, pain, swelling, and muscle injury caused by strenuous exercise.

— Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 26 Aug. 2026
At the same time, writing the final chapter of recovery only 10 days after an injury is far too early.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of injury

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mayhap

mayhem

mazard

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

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Synonyms of mayhem

noun

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