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

Fans miss witnessing a hitting masterclass, but the luxury of instant feedback and individual instruction in a commotion-free environment is far more appealing. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Officials said the elections were largely peaceful despite a person being killed following commotion in a polling station in the main city of Cotabato on Monday. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026

All of that pregame commotion set the stage for what came next. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Her dance experience has caused some commotion among DWTS fans who feel her casting might be unfair. — Sarah Hearon, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 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