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

• 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 of the window and the team’s start to the season exacerbated the mood. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

Through this tumult, three myths pervade the global energy market, misleading everyone—from diplomats and military strategists, to economists and tech titans, to CEOs and consumers—about the state of global dependence on Russian energy supply. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 22 Oct. 2025

The powerful Murdaughs are thrown into tumult when Paul is involved in a fatal boating accident — and their connections to other deaths become public. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025

The subsequent online tumult drove more people and organizations into the streets. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025

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