Synonyms of ballyhoo

ballyhoo 1 of 2

noun

ˈba-lē-ˌhü 

1

as in commotion

a state of noisy, confused activity

it turned out that the ballyhoo was the result of a movie being filmed on the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

• commotion
• disturbance
• fuss
• stir
• hurry
• turmoil
• racket
• hoopla
• noise
• hullabaloo
• storm
• hurricane
• clatter
• hubbub
• to-do
• fun
• row
• bluster
• clutter
• blather
• bustle
• furor
• zoo
• furore
• rumpus
• pandemonium
• coil
• ado
• bother
• ruckus
• tumult
• welter
• pother
• hoo-ha
• squall
• kerfuffle
• ruction
• foofaraw
• uproar
• flurry
• roar
• hurly-burly
• helter-skelter
• shindy
• stew
• moil
• whirl
• hubble-bubble
• bobbery
• hurry-scurry
• clamor
• upheaval
• alarums and excursions
• din
• outcry
• hurly
• cacophony
• splore
• williwaw
• do
• howl
• unrest
• disorder
• eruption
• hue and cry
• outbreak
• flutter
• outburst
• brawl
• fever
• fracas
• fray
• melee
• scuffle
• fret
• tizzy
• lather
• dither
• hassle
• flare-up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rest
• peace
• hush
• stillness
• tranquility
• quiet
• calm
• quietude
• order
• orderliness

2

as in hype

information released to the media that is designed to gain public attention or support for a person, business, or cause

the usual ballyhoo intended to fill the seats at megaplexes around the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hype
• publicity
• advertising
• advertisement
• ad
• poster
• puffery
• commercial
• message
• promotion
• marketing
• billboard
• propaganda
• banner
• sign
• word
• publication
• story
• placard
• pronouncement
• bill
• plug
• spot
• broadcast
• report
• release
• bulletin
• dispatch
• newscast
• ink
• testimonial
• write-up

ballyhoo

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to advertise

to praise or publicize lavishly and often excessively

that reviewer always ballyhoos any book by one of his pet authors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• advertise
• acclaim
• announce
• trumpet
• tout
• promote
• tub-thump
• cry up
• crack up
• laud
• commend
• applaud
• glorify
• offer
• blow up
• extol
• publicize
• proclaim
• blare
• compliment
• herald
• eulogize
• aver
• plug
• blazon
• pronounce
• magnify
• claim
• blaze
• advance
• declare
• assert
• lay down
• make out
• boost

2

as in to promote

to provide publicity for

the TV networks usually spend the summer months ballyhooing their new fall shows

Synonyms & Similar Words

• promote
• sell
• hype
• publicize
• tout
• advertise
• announce
• plug
• merchandise
• pitch
• boost
• push
• praise
• acclaim
• talk up
• beat the drum (for)
• bark
• laud
• hail
• publish
• broadcast
• endorse
• review
• recommend
• plunk (for)
• plump (for)
• plonk (for)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ballyhoo

Noun

Reps also seemed to walk back Lawson’s earlier ballyhoo, floating the idea of projecting only conservation messages rather than symbols of corporate greed and ambition. — Mark Hay, Popular Science, 10 Dec. 2025

The chefs have clearly helped Miami diners expand their palates, serving unusual dishes that could potentially make diners uneasy, like the ballyhoo, which Martinez said should return to the menu once the season starts in a few weeks. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025

Verb

After being delayed for more than three weeks, the graduation of more than 80 sheriff cadets was finally allowed — and ballyhooed as the largest academy class in the agency’s history. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 16 July 2026

And Jennifer Maas previews The Game Awards to explain how the event has grown into the Oscars for video games by blending kudos and ballyhoo. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025