ˈrə-kəs
1
as in brawl
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
the ruckus left one person with a sprained wrist
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
quit creating such a ruckus—I'm trying to sleep!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ruckus
When the beetle takes flight, the woman, who is busy unpacking, doesn’t realize for a moment that there’s something out of place about that rasping ruckus, that foreign hum.
—
María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026
Other countries caused a ruckus.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
LaBelle gives in to the walking ruckus that is Lance.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
And that didn’t include the multiple (if mild) scuffles in between this ruckus.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruckus
María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026
Other countries caused a ruckus.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
LaBelle gives in to the walking ruckus that is Lance.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
And that didn’t include the multiple (if mild) scuffles in between this ruckus.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruckus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruckus
Noun
-
Viral videos of onboard brawls contributed to the airline’s notoriety.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
-
Fajitagate became the moniker for a drunken brawl involving three off-duty San Francisco police officers and two men over a bag of steak fajitas.—
Richard Halstead,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
In his opening arguments, Haytham Faraj, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said Valentina and her mother had hidden in a changing room on the second floor amid the commotion of the police response.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
In the commotion, Tepikian said another car hit her SUV at the intersection of West Pennway, West 21st and Summit streets.—
Eleanor Nash
Updated May 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
At 20, he was arrested after a routine traffic stop turned into a violent altercation with police.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The altercation between Avdija and Castle put an end to a frustrating day for the Trail Blazers, who lost Game 4 by 21 points after holding a 17-point lead at halftime.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Increasing heat and humidity could spark showers and storms Friday morning, but a better chance for more widespread storms arrives Friday night into Saturday as a stronger disturbance moves in, according to the weather service.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 May 2026
-
Avoid spring pruning to let blooms fully develop and prevent unnecessary disturbance to the tree.—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
It’s caused quite a stir among fans, who barely missed out on another free meal Tuesday in the Royals’ 5-3 win over the Guardians.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
6 May 2026
-
Tonight’s Met Gala will bring together celebrities for a glamorous evening of fundraising and fashion, but this year’s billionaire sponsor is causing quite a stir.—
Toni Odejimi,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
In the 1980s, many people didn't understand what the fuss was about, longtime broadcast journalist Joie Chen recalls.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
6 May 2026
-
Since then, thousands have flocked to theaters nationwide to see the award-winning performer and find out what all the fuss is about.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Arteta sprinted off to retrieve the ball like a man possessed, in a hurry.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
-
Topped with special sauce and pickle slices, these will be gone in a hurry.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The bloc has been forging new trade relationships, like an expansive trade agreement with the European Union, in the wake of the tariff turmoil that has seen many of America’s closest trade ties unravel.—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
On the surface, Middle of Nowhere outlines the turmoil before and after an ex’s disappearing act.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruckus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruckus. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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