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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ruckus
And that didn’t include the multiple (if mild) scuffles in between this ruckus.
—
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
The son of former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio was one of dozens arrested for causing a ruckus at a hotel in the city earlier this week.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Josh asks for silence, then later explains — in an exasperated tone — that the ruckus was distracting him.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2026
The kids ranged in age from four to twelve; the military tent was soon being referred to as the Thunderdome, so constant was the ruckus.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruckus
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
The son of former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio was one of dozens arrested for causing a ruckus at a hotel in the city earlier this week.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Josh asks for silence, then later explains — in an exasperated tone — that the ruckus was distracting him.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2026
The kids ranged in age from four to twelve; the military tent was soon being referred to as the Thunderdome, so constant was the ruckus.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruckus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruckus
Noun
-
One of the defendant’s friends had a conversation with Velasquez that erupted into a brawl before the defendant charged at the victim and opened fire, the prosecutor said.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The dining area of a Texas Whataburger played host to another viral brawl over the weekend.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
With all of the commotion made about his on-base streak being snapped, his performance on the mound was almost an afterthought.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
From its location away from the courtroom, the jury heard a commotion.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 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
-
But since that ridge shifted from Northern California in early April, the new pattern has invited multiple low-pressure disturbances into the region.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
About 4% of those students — or roughly 300,000 students — are labeled with emotional disturbance.—
Laurie Stern,
NPR,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
White-Jacket did cause a stir with its discussion of the arbitrary and cruel use of flogging in the US Navy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Remove the foil and give the orzo another good stir, then bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the orzo is tender and creamy.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Although there are fancier and allegedly more pet-friendly air fresheners out there, this one is affordable, effective, and fuss-free.—
Kayla Blanton,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Nineteen even-strength saves, five power-play saves, no muss, no fuss.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Edmonton’s Kris Knoblauch, McDavid’s former junior coach, has accumulated playoff seasoning in a hurry himself.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
-
If the ping-pong balls bounce its way, the chance to draft AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer would change the temperature of the rebuild in a hurry.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the persona turmoil behind this transformational figure has in many ways remained hidden from view.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
23 Apr. 2026
-
But the stock market is brushing off the turmoil.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruckus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruckus. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
