tumult

noun

tu·mult ˈtü-ˌməlt

ˈtyü-

also ˈtə-

Synonyms of tumult

: disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar and confusion of voices : commotion

: a turbulent uprising : riot

: hubbub, din

: violent agitation of mind or feelings

: 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

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.

This long tail was a musical tether to the past amid the inevitable tumult of change. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026 So there are a lot of reasons to believe that Canada has a lot to contribute to the world, especially in this era of tumult. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Leo Tolstoy’s masterful epic—or one of them, at least—is about one woman’s scandals, passions, and ultimate tragedy, all set amid the tumult of late-19th century Russia. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 That despite tumult and prolonged periods of poor form – having endured a terrible start and with the end of their league campaign similarly tailing off – Villa can find a way to win. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 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

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

tumulose

tumult

tumultuary

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

tumult

noun

tu·mult ˈt(y)ü-ˌməlt

: uproar

a great tumult arose in the stands

: great confusion of mind

tumult

noun

Synonyms of tumult

Examples of tumult in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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