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 season has been marked by tumult and change for the Meteors, with several prominent players transferring before the preseason even began. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

Even after all the tumult to start the season, the Irish finished the ACC slate on a 7-1 and landed in fifth place in the conference standings, and everything runs through Hidalgo. —Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026

Into the tumult come two new books that focus on some of the most pathbreaking journalists of the 1930s and ’40s. —Casey Schwartz, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026

It was believed to be lost, destroyed in the tumult of World War II or perhaps by Cantor himself. —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 25 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