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

But the tumult has also clarified realities. —Harvard Business Review, 22 Apr. 2026

Still, the tour offers the institution something of a reset opportunity after more than a year of tumult, demonstrating the need for repairs while easing some fears. —ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026

The tumult of the war didn’t change that investment rating. —Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026

Creation of a legendary company amid tumult Plenty of drama enveloped the run-up to the creation of General Electric in 1892. —Michael Kilian, USA Today, 15 Apr. 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