tumult

noun

tu·​mult ˈtü-ˌməlt 

ˈtyü-,

 also  ˈtə-

1

a

: disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar and confusion of voices : commotion

b

: a turbulent uprising : riot

2

: hubbub, din

3

a

: violent agitation of mind or feelings

b

: a violent outburst

Synonyms

• commotion
• disturbance
• turmoil
• stir
• hurry
• fuss
• noise

Examples of tumult in a Sentence

We had to shout to be heard over the tumult.

The country was in tumult.

Her mind was in a tumult of emotions.

Recent Examples on the Web

Paramount has faced great tumult in recent years, and Dini’s note reflected that. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025

Regardless of any tumult in the world, and in Minnesota specifically, the state fair has remained a fortress of nostalgia and folksy civic cheer. —Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025

The goals set out for Musk and Tesla are extremely ambitious given recent tumult at the Texas company. —Michelle Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

Increasingly frustrated by this summer’s tumult, Unai Emery went down for his pre-match hit. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tumulte, from Anglo-French, from Latin tumultus; perhaps akin to Sanskrit tumula noisy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

tumult

noun

tu·​mult ˈt(y)ü-ˌməlt 

1

: uproar

a great tumult arose in the stands

2

: great confusion of mind