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

• 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

More than 100 players will enter free agency this winter as the tumult of a two-team expansion draft and a new collective bargaining agreement promises an offseason of leaguewide upheaval. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025

Increasingly frustrated by this summer’s tumult, Unai Emery went down for his pre-match hit. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025

This strategy has proven successful before, such as during the economic tumult caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. —Dan Gingiss, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025

In a letter to CDC staff on Thursday night, Kennedy sought to quell the tension and concern in the agency after days of tumult over its leader, along with the dramatic resignations of multiple high-level officials who had worked there for decades. —Mary Bruce, ABC News, 28 Aug. 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