topsy-turvy Hear it!

topsy-turvy Definition

topsy-turvy (täpsē tʉr)

adverb, adjective

  1. upside down; in a reversed condition
  2. in confusion or disorder

Etymology: earlier topsy-tervy, prob. < top, highest part + ME terven, to roll

noun

  1. a topsy-turvy condition; inverted state
  2. a state of confusion

topsy-turvy Related Forms

topsy-turvily adverb

topsy-turvy Synonyms

topsy-turvy

modif.

confused, upside down, disordered, disarranged, disheveled, tangled, muddled, unhinged, out of gear, disorganized, pell-mell, disjointed, out of joint, untidy, tumultuous, riotous, dislocated, jumbled, chaotic, cluttered, littered, messy*, cockeyed*; see also disorderly 1.

Antonyms orderly*, ordered*, systematic.

topsy-turvy Usage Examples

Converse of object

go: As in much of the world, Canada is seeing its weather go topsy-turvy.

Modifies a noun

  • world: Now such public service is in danger of becoming unlawful in the topsy-turvy world of British politics.
  • encounter: Their topsy-turvy encounter saw Davidson come out on top 10-12, 9-11, 11-9, 14-12, 11-7.
  • match: Meanwhile, first year student, Joel Hinds was involved in a topsy-turvy match with Ben Ford.
  • season: A tempting memento for any rugby fan from a topsy-turvy season.
  • game: In a topsy-turvy game, he had four different types of chances and took them all to give Leeds a 4-3 victory.
  • time: It's in contrast to the topsy-turvy times with her last boyfriend, the two-timing gadabout and male model James Gooding.

Used with adjective complement

turn: Behind him, huge clouds of an almost impossible purple turned slowly topsy-turvy in the silent anarchy of heaven.

Browse dictionary entries near topsy-turvy

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  5. topside
  6. topsail
  7. tops
  8. topple
  9. topping
  10. topper
  1. toque
  2. toque blanche
  3. tor
  4. torah
  5. torch
  6. torch song
  7. torchbearer
  8. torchier
  9. torchlight
  10. torchon lace