1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
in the tumult of the evacuation from the coast, we accidentally left on the television, which was of course tuned to the local newscast breathlessly reporting on the hurricane we were fleeing
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2
as in upheaval
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
the political tumult that swept the American colonies in the late 1700s
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in roar
a violent shouting
went to the window to see what the great tumult was and discovered a crowd of demonstrators marching down the street
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tumult
Outgoing Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez expressed optimism for the district’s future yesterday, taking a metaphorical victory lap to recognize his administration’s achievements despite a tenure marked by political tumult.
—
Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Owens, of course, resigned last month amid larger tumult at Paramount Global, as did Wendy McMahon, the executive who spearheaded the changes.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
Referencing the tumult of several years defined by family separation and a natural disaster that leveled their family home, Jackson insisted that a school change would be detrimental.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 June 2025
This speaks to the temptation for business owners, in times of tumult or chaos, to conform to industry standards, veer into a safer lane and chase trends.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tumult
Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Owens, of course, resigned last month amid larger tumult at Paramount Global, as did Wendy McMahon, the executive who spearheaded the changes.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
Referencing the tumult of several years defined by family separation and a natural disaster that leveled their family home, Jackson insisted that a school change would be detrimental.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 June 2025
This speaks to the temptation for business owners, in times of tumult or chaos, to conform to industry standards, veer into a safer lane and chase trends.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tumult
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tumult
Noun
-
Play was delayed for several minutes when a spectator needed medical attention after Alcaraz noticed the commotion in the stands.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
30 June 2025
-
There followed a small commotion of friendliness—apologies, laughter—after which we were led to our seats and sent a free passion-fruit donut.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
Concerns among Democrats may have been expected in California, given the state’s liberal tilt and the widespread and relentless government upheaval since President Trump took office in January.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
-
Despite the chaos, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure experienced extraordinary growth before and after the pandemic closure and boardroom upheaval.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
But the loudest roar — aside the one for the record strikeout — came when Kershaw bounded out of the dugout to start the sixth.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
-
The rush of wind and thrum of tire roar was punctuated, not by engine revs and tailpipe cackles, but by birdsong.—
Alistair Charlton,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
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Officers responded to a report of a disturbance involving someone with a gun, according to the department’s initial news release.—
Laura Bauer
July 12,
Kansas City Star,
12 July 2025
-
According to Bessette, a preliminary investigation found that a disturbance outside involving a group of individuals led to the shooting.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Park’s father was among those armed shopkeepers during the unrest.—
Hanna Kang,
Oc Register,
9 July 2025
-
Gunn acknowledged that the movie’s themes may be interpreted differently across political groups, especially considering the current nationwide unrest around immigration.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
Some commercial leaf blowers are even louder, generating 115 decibels of noise up close and 100 decibels at 50 feet.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 July 2025
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Generation Faraday essentially gives control back to educators and students by effectively eliminating phone distractions and restoring focus in classrooms, much like bringing quiet back after long periods of noise.—
Ray Ravaglia,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
Especially given the turmoil with the other edge rushers, eyes are focused on seeing if Murphy looks like the same underachiever from the first two years or a blossoming athletic specimen.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
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The turmoil points to a clash on competing visions over how to run the economy.—
Brit Morse,
Fortune,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
The crane tariffs aren’t the only punitive USTR measures on China causing a stir.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
9 July 2025
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Late in the fourth quarter, Reese's actions caused a stir.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tumult.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tumult. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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