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

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

The film is faithful to the franchise’s customary angst, with riotous needle drops (and an obligatory new Nick Cave track) courtesy of Antony Genn and Martin Slattery. —Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026

After 40 years beachside (and gaining a casual, semi-riotous rep for all the day-drinking amid the sand and surf), the Independent Spirit Awards has shacked up at the Hollywood Palladium. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 16 Feb. 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