Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

topsy-turvy

[top-see-tur-vee] / ˈtɒp siˈtɜr vi /
ADJECTIVE
mixed-up
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chaotic tangled
WEAK
cluttered cockeyed confused disarranged disheveled disjointed dislocated disordered disorderly disorganized downside-up inside-out inverted jumbled littered luxated messy muddled overturned pell-mell riotous unhinged untidy upended upside-down upturned
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ordered organized
WEAK
straight
ADJECTIVE
disorderly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chaotic confused disarranged disorderly
WEAK
inside-out jumbled mixed up upended upside-down wrong-side up
Antonyms
WEAK
ordered organized straight
ADVERB
in utter disorder; upside down
Synonyms
STRONGEST
backwards in disorder inside-out upside-down
STRONG
any which way helter-skelter higgledy-piggledy
WEAK
upended wrong-side up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
in good order right-side up

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.

All four players struggled with their serves in a topsy-turvy second set, with four consecutive breaks en route to 3-3.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

In a topsy-turvy fourth quarter, the Lakers came up short when LeBron James missed a last-second shot that sent L.A. to a 110-109 loss to the Magic on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

In a moment of less acute emergency, there are good reasons to fix that topsy-turvy situation.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

Montpellier edged Bordeaux-Begles 28-24 in a topsy-turvy encounter.

From Barron's • Nov. 29, 2025

Seeing someone strong and tough as Mr. Leroy crying made me feel like everything was turned topsy-turvy.

From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis