as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
predictably, the royal scandal caused quite a kerfuffle on Fleet Street
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Recent Examples of kerfuffle
Patti LuPone, fresh off the set of And Just Like That…, has caused an internet kerfuffle with her astute (and deliciously eloquent) jabs at costars, former lovers, theatergoers, and even Times Square pedestrians in her recent profile in The New Yorker.
—
Raven Smith, Vogue, 28 May 2025
Other highlights include a jab at Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network and Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports for their kerfuffle at the NFL Scouting Combine, and a seemingly positive mention of former KU quarterback Jason Bean (at the expense of the Colts’ Anthony Richardson).
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
So the former Maryland center was dismayed to see how a two-week kerfuffle at his former school resulted in the departures of athletic director Damon Evans, men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard and five players.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2025
But the real thrust of the whole argument is one Dorit says to Kyle in the middle of the kerfuffle.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kerfuffle
Raven Smith, Vogue, 28 May 2025
Other highlights include a jab at Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network and Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports for their kerfuffle at the NFL Scouting Combine, and a seemingly positive mention of former KU quarterback Jason Bean (at the expense of the Colts’ Anthony Richardson).
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
So the former Maryland center was dismayed to see how a two-week kerfuffle at his former school resulted in the departures of athletic director Damon Evans, men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard and five players.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2025
But the real thrust of the whole argument is one Dorit says to Kyle in the middle of the kerfuffle.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kerfuffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kerfuffle
Noun
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Play was delayed for several minutes when a spectator needed medical attention after Alcaraz noticed the commotion in the stands.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
30 June 2025
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There followed a small commotion of friendliness—apologies, laughter—after which we were led to our seats and sent a free passion-fruit donut.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
29 June 2025
Noun
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The crane tariffs aren’t the only punitive USTR measures on China causing a stir.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
9 July 2025
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Late in the fourth quarter, Reese's actions caused a stir.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Officers responded to a report of a disturbance involving someone with a gun, according to the department’s initial news release.—
Laura Bauer
July 12,
Kansas City Star,
12 July 2025
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According to Bessette, a preliminary investigation found that a disturbance outside involving a group of individuals led to the shooting.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
11 July 2025
Noun
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So what’s all the fuss about a 51 year old when there are much older spirits about?—
Mark Littler,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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On a hot afternoon, who isn’t hoping to mix intriguing drinks with a minimum of fuss?—
Amiel Stanek,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Especially given the turmoil with the other edge rushers, eyes are focused on seeing if Murphy looks like the same underachiever from the first two years or a blossoming athletic specimen.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
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The turmoil points to a clash on competing visions over how to run the economy.—
Brit Morse,
Fortune,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Getting pulled over and receiving a ticket can put a damper on a road trip in a hurry.—
Will McGough,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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The first New Jersey State Constitution, like many others written during the early months of the Revolutionary War, was drafted in a hurry.—
Peter Zablocki,
Smithsonian Magazine,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kerfuffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kerfuffle. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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