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

In early 2023, for instance, quants loaded up on US stocks on the heels of the S&P 500’s 19% drop in 2022, until volatility spiked in March of that year during the regional banking tumult. —Jessica Menton, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2025

During the strike, all of our contracts lapsed and that was also a period of incredible tumult in the business. —Brent Lang, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025

Instead, this is a moment of name-and-shame politics—in an era powered by the churn of Trump’s tumult and insult. —Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Aug. 2025

Despite all the tumult that’s prompted other players in this notoriously risk-averse business to batten down the hatches, BMW is proceeding with its break-glass procedure. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 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