Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for helter-skelter.
Definitions

helter-skelter

[hel-ter-skel-ter] / ˈhɛl tərˈskɛl tər /
ADJECTIVE
with undue hurry and confusion
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chaotic haphazard hurried
WEAK
arbitrary carelessly confused disorderly hastily hit or miss hurry-scurry in disorder random recklessly slapdash
Antonyms
STRONGEST
organized systematic
ADVERB
carelessly, confused
Synonyms
STRONGEST
haphazard headlong jumbled
WEAK
about any which way anyhow anywise around at random cluttered disorderly hastily higgledy-piggledy hit-or-miss hotfoot hurriedly impetuously in confusion incautiously incontinently irregular muddled pell-mell random randomly rashly recklessly topsy-turvy tumultuously unmindfully wildly
Antonyms
WEAK
carefully methodical organized straight systematic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The shale companies’ tepid reaction to the jump in crude prices is further proof that firms once known to grow helter-skelter have become disciplined.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Challambra Hill climb before the final helter-skelter dash to the finish.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

This was a helter-skelter day, the breathless cricket picking up from the previous time these sides met on this ground - New Zealand's classic one-run victory at the beginning of last year.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2024

In the contemporary, helter-skelter sweep of Mexico City, there is one place — in the southern borough of Xochimilco — where a vision of a watery, pre-Columbian capital may still be imagined.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2024

How could it be that bright fact and cloudy mystery were actually all mixed up, helter-skelter, together?

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

Vocabulary lists containing helter-skelter

Tuck Everlasting

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Hobbit

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Fever 1793

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!