disarray
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for disarray, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A state of disorder or confusion.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A state of disorder or confusion.
“The office was left in complete disarray after the break-in.”
Opposites
How to use disarray
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in disarray
political disarray
complete disarray
Etymology
From Middle English disareyen, via Middle French desarroyer, from des- ("dis-") + areer ("to array").
Full origin of disarray →Frequently asked questions
What does “disarray” mean?
The word “disarray” means a state of disorder or confusion. In plain terms, a messy, disorganized state — often used for plans, groups, or physical spaces falling apart.
How do you pronounce “disarray”?
“Disarray” is pronounced dih-suh-RAY (/dɪsəˈɹeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “disarray” in a sentence?
Here is “disarray” used in a sentence: “The office was left in complete disarray after the break-in.”
What is the opposite of “disarray”?
The opposite of “disarray” — its antonyms — is array.
What part of speech is “disarray”?
Depending on how it is used, “disarray” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “disarray” come from?
The word “disarray” comes from Middle French. From Middle English disareyen, via Middle French desarroyer, from des- ("dis-") + areer ("to array").
How many meanings does “disarray” have?
“Disarray” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state of disorder or confusion.
