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

Follmer is intimately acquainted with the tumult regarding the campus. —Quil Lawrence, NPR, 2 June 2026

This latest housing tumult isn’t just some Southern California weirdness. —Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 28 May 2026

Schwarz interviews activists, historians, and participants in the scene, providing valuable context for how the film’s location shooting in Greenwich Village became a focal point for the movement at a moment of social and political tumult. —Jason Bailey, Vulture, 27 May 2026

On-screen, many films reflected the global tumult. —Brent Lang, Variety, 19 May 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