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

The tumult affected the organization’s events and programming. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026

For all the politics involved in the fair’s conception, and all the tumult between the District and the President since his reascension, the vibe was mostly apolitical. — Andrew Trunsky, New Yorker, 11 July 2026

Finally, one person was reacting in a way that may not have been exactly mature or ideal, but at least felt appropriate for the tumult and distress of adolescence. — Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

Former Hartford City Treasurer Carmen Sierra, who stepped down from her position just two days ago amid tumult in the office, on Wednesday reportedly reentered the office and police were called. — Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 8 July 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