uproar

noun

up·​roar ˈəp-ˌrȯr 

: a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance

an uproar over the proposed building development

Synonyms of uproar

• commotion
• disturbance
• stir
• fuss
• turmoil
• hurry

Examples of uproar in a Sentence

There was a lot of public uproar over the proposed jail.

There have been uproars in the past over similar proposals.

The proposal caused an uproar.

The town was in an uproar over the proposal to build a jail.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tourism operators and the farming industry are in uproar over the loss of visitors – and vital workers – in regional areas that don’t necessarily have the same appeal to tourists as some of Australia’s major cities. — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Though the city has yet to receive an application for a data center, neighboring communities have rallied against them, including an application in South Elgin that the village board denied following an uproar by residents. — Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

The uproar over Macklemore and his spot on Sheeran’s Loop tour erupted after the rapper joined the trek in early September for two shows at MetLife Stadium outside New York City. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026

Democrats see the data center uproar as fitting into their affordability messaging, and candidates generally agree data centers should be regulated, though their positions vary on how aggressively. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from Dutch oproer, from Middle Dutch, from op up (akin to Old English ūp) + roer motion; akin to Old English hrēran to stir

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for uproar

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore

Kids Definition

uproar

noun

up·​roar ˈəp-ˌrō(ə)r 

-ˌrȯ(ə)r

: a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance

Etymology

from Dutch oproer "revolt, uprising," from op "up" and roer "motion"; the English spelling and meaning influenced by the similarity of the English roar to Dutch roer

Word Origin

The -roar part of the word uproar has no connection with the sounds made by some animals and crowds. The first use of uproar was as the translation of the Dutch word oproer, meaning "uprising, rebellion, revolt." Thus, the first meaning of uproar was the same as the Dutch meaning of oproer. Nowadays, this sense of uproar is no longer used. Because people thought that the roar of uproar referred to loud cries and sounds, they began to use the word to mean "a noisy disturbance or commotion." This is the sense of uproar that has survived.