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

Zachary Schermele There's new optimism on Capitol Hill that a deal to end the nearly six-week-long shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security may be in reach before Congress goes on spring break, potentially ending widespread airport tumult as millions of Americans gear up to travel. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026

The tumult is likely to continue, too, especially with midterm elections coming up later this year. —Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026

Disrupting airports by tethering the pay of airport security screeners to the tumult of Washington politics is untenable. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026

The designer, who is now sixty-two, has experienced a fair amount of tumult during his life and career. —Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 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