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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

The pitch was the catalyst for the helter-skelter action.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

It was a little more of a helter-skelter approach, but we somehow got through it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2025

I poked again and said, “A little faster,” then off he went, helter-skelter as before, and we resigned ourselves to our fate.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

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