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

Prior to the August merger, Paramount endured a brutal stretch following the pandemic, with years of instability and mismanagement culminating in the media giant tapping three co-CEOs to lead the company through tumult. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2025

Harrison is a little more magnanimous about the breakup, partly because his experience in the Modern Lovers prepared him for intra-band tumult. —Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025

By the time the show was officially canceled in 2019, Peak TV was already contracting and Prime in particular was going through a period of executive tumult. —Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025

The time of the Diablo’s development and birth was marked by tumult at its parent company. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 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