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 demanded a renegotiation of NAFTA during his first term, but ultimately the Canadian negotiators were able to deal with the indiscipline and tumult of the chaotic administration. —Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025

Together, the insolvency countdown and agency tumult have shaken public faith. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

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

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