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

Trump didn’t directly address the Minneapolis tumult or Jackson’s remarks during his own freewheeling speech. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026

The debate comes after decades of tumult within education and a burgeoning reform effort that some traditional school advocates view with suspicion. —Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026

Advertisement The public has noticed the tumult. —Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Feb. 2026

After some tumult at the start of 2025, including the suspension of her coach, Rybakina finished off last year with a title at the WTA Finals in November. —John Pye, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 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