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

Immediately, the council chambers erupted into commotion, as other protesters stood to defend her. —Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 2 Dec. 2025

As the events unfolded, Larry Rusch, a private security guard who lives in the area, heard the commotion outside his home and went out to discover approximately 40 vehicles speeding through the street, according to The New York Post. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 26 Nov. 2025

Montali hustled to the commotion, where his wife, Michelle, was holding her father’s hand. —Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025

In the commotion, Grande's costar, Erivo, quickly put herself between Wen and Grande, protecting her. —Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025

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