commotion

noun

com·​mo·​tion kə-ˈmō-shən 

1

: a condition of civil unrest or insurrection

The commotion was finally brought to an end and peace was restored.

2

: steady or recurrent motion

the commotion of the surf

3

: mental excitement or confusion

… startled … into no ordinary state of commotion.

—Arnold Bennett

4

a

: an agitated disturbance : to-do

the commotion caused by the president's visit

b

: noisy confusion : agitation

The commotion backstage had brought the play to a stop.

Synonyms of commotion

• disturbance
• stir
• fuss
• turmoil
• hurry
• noise
• clatter
• storm
• fun

Examples of commotion in a Sentence

There was a sudden commotion when the actress entered the restaurant.

the commotion created when the nation's top rock band arrived in town

Recent Examples on the Web

Winnetka’s Village Council put an end to the latest commotion over its lakefront by opposing a project that would build chain-link fencing for dogs on Centennial Beach. —Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

Those seated in the gunner or engineer positions will also be treated to additional clips of Grogu via their adjacent flight panels, the young alien here portrayed as something of a playful pet of a child who is exaggeratedly chill during the commotion. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026

Someone would start a cheer, others would join in, and the commotion would attract a new wave of attention, phones open to streaming apps, the entire scene straddling the line between performance and audience. —Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 20 May 2026

Full political violence insurance can cover property damage and business interruption tied to terrorism, sabotage, riots, strikes, civil commotion, insurrection, rebellion, mutiny, coup and war. —Contessa Brewer,dawn Giel, CNBC, 19 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French commocion, from Latin commotion-, commotio, from commovēre — see commove

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for commotion

• demotion
• devotion
• emotion
• laotian
• promotion
• locomotion
• lotion
• notion
• ocean
• potion

Kids Definition

commotion

noun

com·​mo·​tion kə-ˈmō-shən 

1

: irregular or violent motion

2

: noisy excitement and confusion : tumult