tumult

noun

tu·​mult ˈtü-ˌməlt 

ˈtyü-

also ˈtə-

1

a

: disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar and confusion of voices : commotion

b

: a turbulent uprising : riot

2

: hubbub, din

3

a

: violent agitation of mind or feelings

b

: a violent outburst

Synonyms of tumult

• commotion
• disturbance
• turmoil
• stir
• hurry
• fuss
• noise

Examples of tumult in a Sentence

We had to shout to be heard over the tumult.

The country was in tumult.

Her mind was in a tumult of emotions.

Recent Examples on the Web

That decision, had it been followed through, would have resulted in the match being forfeited and a tumult of political and financial ramifications. — James Wallace, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

This long tail was a musical tether to the past amid the inevitable tumult of change. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026

So there are a lot of reasons to believe that Canada has a lot to contribute to the world, especially in this era of tumult. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Leo Tolstoy’s masterful epic—or one of them, at least—is about one woman’s scandals, passions, and ultimate tragedy, all set amid the tumult of late-19th century Russia. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tumulte, from Anglo-French, from Latin tumultus; perhaps akin to Sanskrit tumula noisy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

tumult

noun

tu·​mult ˈt(y)ü-ˌməlt 

1

: uproar

a great tumult arose in the stands

2

: great confusion of mind