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

In the popular overture, elicitation of tumult concludes, with startling exhilaration, in the kind of grand Beethovenian triumph that never fails to excite. —Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026

Adding to the tumult is that a significant portion of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) will likely shutter. —Al Weaver, The Hill, 17 Feb. 2026

What could feel contrived emerges as elegant and honestly felt, a study not just of the tumult that often produces great art, but the silence too. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026

This kind of tumult is now standard fare at HHS. —Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 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