three-ring circus

noun

ˈthrē-ˈriŋ- How to pronounce three-ring circus (audio)
Definition of three-ring circusnext
as in circus
a place of uproar or confusion the house has been a three-ring circus ever since the kids got back from summer camp

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 three-ring circus The song uses a three-ring circus to explain the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. — Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 12 Feb. 2025 The event includes a three-ring circus, Za Ga Zig Shrine clowns and classic circus treats, including Sno Cones and cotton candy. — Brian Smith, Des Moines Register, 21 Jan. 2026 The genre at large, especially in its broadcast form, failed pretty spectacularly to make its three-ring circus of topical comedy, celebrity kibitzing, and live music thrive under ringmasters who weren’t white, male, middle-aged avatars of our societal default. — Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2026 Udo Kier is the perverted master of ceremonies in this three-ring circus of deviancy from director Paul Morrissey, which takes Frankenstein’s romantic necrophilia and distills it to its glistening, taboo essence. — Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for three-ring circus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for three-ring circus
  1. circus
  2. madhouse
  3. bedlam
Noun
  • Lindsley, who both performs at Casa Bonita and oversees the dive team, is a former gymnast and circus performer with live water show experience on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and The Han Show in China.
    — Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • His next two projects, however, take place amidst a more contemporary circus environment.
    — Alissa Simon, Variety, 4 July 2026
Definition of circus
Noun
  • Headphones are often my saving grace in this madhouse.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2026
  • In practice, this means a madhouse of multimedia rooms, packed with gurgling videos and useless machines and humanoid bodies.
    — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of madhouse
Noun
  • The scene around me was one of utter bedlam, with stadium officials even joining in the celebrations.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • If the Spurs stave off elimination, Johnson presenting the trophy to the Knicks at home after a Game 6 win on Tuesday could surpass the bedlam from the comeback.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 June 2026
Definition of bedlam

Browse Nearby Words

threefold
three-ring circus
three-ring circuses
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Cite this Entry

“Three-ring circus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/three-ring%20circus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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