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

Others are stewed with aromatics and oil to make a riotous take on XO sauce, funky and inky and complex, which gilds the hunks of squash under their corny beurre blanc. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

The joyous if relatively restrained gathering was the culmination of the riotous nationwide celebrations that had broken out on the evening of April 12, when the results of the parliamentary elections came in. — Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026

Guns is an actor and writer, known for her razor-sharp observations and riotous voice. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026

The Musical’ Baz Luhrmann’s 2011 movie musical is lush and riotous. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 22 June 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