shambolic

adjective

Definition of shambolicnext
chiefly British
as in chaotic

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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 shambolic Indeed, tax policy has become shambolic and spending discipline is non-existent. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 22 Apr. 2026 The scene unfolds with shambolic good humor, starting with an exchange that sends the company scrambling to sort out who’s who. — Rhoda Feng, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026 Beirut’s traffic — a shambolic affair in the best of times — became even more chaotic, with motorists honking and shouting in a bid to reach the highway. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026 In January 2001, fed up with the shambolic and corrupt presidential rule of the former Manila mayor and movie star Joseph Estrada, Manileños once again took to EDSA in what became known as the Second People Power Revolution. — Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shambolic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shambolic
  1. chaotic
  2. disorderly
  3. disordered
Adjective
  • To cap the most chaotic week of his managerial career, Joe Espada celebrated his 51st birthday on Sunday.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Today marks five years since the chaotic, deadly ending of America's nearly 20-year war in Afghanistan.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of chaotic
Adjective
  • Bessent’s maneuvers are distinct, some observers say, by not being prompted by crisis or particularly disorderly market conditions.
    — Christopher Anstey, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • By 2002, Beijing decided to rein in the disorderly competition.
    — GLORIA XIONG, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of disorderly
Adjective
  • The movie is based not just on my own battle, but the struggles of people with all types of disordered eating.
    — Marti Noxon, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • An offense that had recently hung 40 points on Kansas City to win the Super Bowl quickly transformed itself into something deeply unfun, disordered and predictable.
    — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of disordered

Browse Nearby Words

shambling
shambolic
shame
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Cite this Entry

“Shambolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shambolic. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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