OpenSynonym

babel

/ˈbeɪbəl/

NOUN

1. A confused mixture of sounds and voices

A noisy mixture of many voices or sounds occurring at the same time, especially when different languages are being spoken.

1.1. Many voices speaking simultaneously

A mixture of overlapping conversations, voices, and speech that makes it difficult to distinguish individual speakers or understand what is being said.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The bustling city market was a babel of languages and cultures.
  • The departure lounge echoed with a babel of travelers awaiting their flights.
  • The classroom hallway became a babel of students sharing stories and laughter.

Related Words

1.2. A mixture of loud and discordant sounds

A confusing combination of different noises, often harsh, clashing, or unpleasant to hear.

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Examples

  • The construction site was a babel of machinery, hammering, and shouting.
  • The crowded street became a babel of horns, engines, and competing voices.

Related Words

1.3. Confusion caused by different languages or opinions

A situation in which numerous languages, opinions, or competing forms of communication create confusion and make understanding difficult.

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Examples

  • The international conference became a babel of conflicting opinions.
  • The city was a modern babel where dozens of languages could be heard.

Related Words

  • miscommunication
  • misunderstanding
  • disagreement
  • discord
  • conflicting opinions
  • language barrier
  • jargon
  • dialogue

NOUN

2. A place or scene of noise and confusion

A place characterized by great noise, disorder, or chaotic activity, often involving many people or competing events.

2.1. A noisy and disorderly place

A location filled with confusion, commotion, and uncontrolled activity.

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Examples

  • The crowded marketplace had become a babel of shouting vendors and hurried customers.
  • During the festival, the town square turned into a babel of activity and noise.

Related Words

NOUN

3. A tall, looming structure

A tall and imposing structure, particularly one associated with the biblical Tower of Babel.

3.1. The biblical Tower of Babel

A reference to the legendary tower built in the biblical account of humanity's attempt to reach heaven.

Synonyms

  • Tower of Babel

Examples

  • The story of Babel explains the origin of the confusion of human languages in biblical tradition.

Related Words