commotion

noun

com·​mo·​tion kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce commotion (audio)
Synonyms of commotion
1
: a condition of civil unrest or insurrection
The commotion was finally brought to an end and peace was restored.
2
: steady or recurrent motion
the commotion of the surf
3
: mental excitement or confusion
… startled … into no ordinary state of commotion.—Arnold Bennett
4
a
: an agitated disturbance : to-do
the commotion caused by the president's visit
b
: noisy confusion : agitation
The commotion backstage had brought the play to a stop.

Synonyms of commotion

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Examples of commotion in a Sentence

There was a sudden commotion when the actress entered the restaurant. the commotion created when the nation's top rock band arrived in town
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Canadian singer caused a commotion with her ensemble, showing off a head-to-toe Alaïa ensemble from the upcoming Archetypes spring 2027 collection. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026 There was no illness or injury, Krauss said, but the dog seemed ready to step away from the crowds and commotion. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Missy Elliott and Ciara glide through the commotion, creating a track whose entire structure seems designed around the physical act of movement. — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026 Miller denies that and says the gun fell from his sweatshirt pocket and got hit in the commotion. — Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commotion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French commocion, from Latin commotion-, commotio, from commovēre — see commove

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for commotion

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Browse Nearby Words

commot
commotion
commove
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Cite this Entry

“Commotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commotion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

commotion

noun
com·​mo·​tion kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce commotion (audio)
1
: irregular or violent motion
2
: noisy excitement and confusion : tumult
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