tumult

noun

tu·​mult ˈtü-ˌməlt How to pronounce tumult (audio)
ˈtyü-
also ˈtə-
Synonyms of tumult
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

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
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Also, the public furore might cause Infantino and FIFA to second guess themselves and withdraw the idea, much like the Super League initiative was largely shot down within a few days of its proposal due to fan and media tumult. Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 29 July 2026 The company’s early decades were marked by the tumult and horrors of World War II, which also contributed to the company’s international expansion. Jordan Blum, Fortune, 24 July 2026 For now, the stars of the series see Louis and Lestat’s reunion as definitive, a culmination of all the tumult required to get to a place where Louis can declare his love and Lestat can accept it. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 July 2026 Kelly grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, in an Irish Catholic household of little outward affection and high tumult. Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tumult

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tumult was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tumult.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumult. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: uproar
a great tumult arose in the stands
2
: great confusion of mind

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