riotous

adjective

ri·​ot·​ous ˈrī-ə-təs 

1

a

: of the nature of a riot : turbulent

b

: participating in riot

2

: abundant, exuberant

the garden was riotous with flowers

riotously adverb

riotousness noun

Synonyms of riotous

• humorous
• comedic
• funny
• amusing
• comic
• comical
• hysterical
• ridiculous
• entertaining

Examples of riotous in a Sentence

a riotous profusion of flowers

his riotous mugging always has everyone in hysterics

Recent Examples on the Web

The hillside behind her was sprinkled with desert golds, but the display fell short of the riotous eruption of flowers posted on social media. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

The free event in Cass Corridor is an annual riotous, jazzy parade that draws thousands to join in wacky and wonderful costumes and floats, while marking the start to spring. —Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 21 Mar. 2026

With a top supporting cast including Lynch, a riotous Jackie Earle Haley, Liza Koshy and others, the Bacons are keeping it all in the family and deliver a winning entertainment that should have no problem finding a willing distributor. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026

Don’t miss the riotous ride that’s sure to leave you howling with laughter! —Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for riotous

• quietus

Kids Definition

riotous

adjective

ri·​ot·​ous ˈrī-ət-əs 

1

a

: of the nature of a riot

b

: taking part in rioting

2

: abundant

a garden riotous with flowers

riotously adverb

Legal Definition

riotous

adjective

ri·​ot·​ous ˈrī-ə-təs 

1

: of the nature of a riot

riotous conduct

2

: participating in a riot

a riotous assemblage