SHAMBOLIC Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

shambolic

adjective

Definition of shambolic

chiefly British

as in chaotic

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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 shambolic 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 Indeed, tax policy has become shambolic and spending discipline is non-existent. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 22 Apr. 2026 The Oilers also improved their defensive structure after a shambolic Game 3 – and yet the energetic, hungry Ducks still pumped in four more goals despite never leading. — ABC News, 27 Apr. 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

Adjective

Interview with the Vampire’s composer Daniel Hart has taken the audience on a wonderfully chaotic journey through different styles of music in The Vampire Lestat.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
The events surrounding the funeral were chaotic, with eight people killed and hundreds injured, according to a report written by the Associated Press news agency at the time.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of chaotic

Adjective

Their charges reportedly include assaulting a police officer, disorderly behavior in a police station, disorderly behavior, resisting arrest, obscene language, escape from lawful custody, causing dangerous harm and two counts of damage and obstruction.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
She was taken to the Hernando County Detention Center and was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, breach of peace/disorderly intoxication.

— CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 12 June 2026

Definition of disorderly

Adjective

Studies have found that Black college women, as a group, report greater body satisfaction and lower rates of disordered eating than white women of comparable weight.

— Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Research shows that such bodily scrutiny is already damaging transgender youth and that bodily shame can significantly affect young people’s mental health, leading to disordered eating and other physical and psychological harm.

— Megan Gandy, The Conversation, 1 July 2026

Definition of disordered

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shambling

shambolic

shame

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“Shambolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shambolic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of shambolic

adjective

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