riotous

1 of 2

adjective

ri·​ot·​ous ˈrī-ə-təs How to pronounce riotous (audio)
Synonyms of riotousnext
1
a
: of the nature of a riot : turbulent
b
: participating in riot
2
: abundant, exuberant
the garden was riotous with flowers
riotously adverb
riotousness noun

riotousness

2 of 2

noun

ri·​ot·​ous·​ness
plural -es
: the quality, state, or habit of being riotous

Synonyms of riotous

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Adjective

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Examples of riotous in a Sentence

Adjective a riotous profusion of flowers his riotous mugging always has everyone in hysterics
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Guns is an actor and writer, known for her razor-sharp observations and riotous voice. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026 The result is an album of riotous compassion, likely to strike a chord with fans of Big Thief and the Microphones. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 5 June 2026 The Musical’ Baz Luhrmann’s 2011 movie musical is lush and riotous. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 22 June 2026 The joyous if relatively restrained gathering was the culmination of the riotous nationwide celebrations that had broken out on the evening of April 12, when the results of the parliamentary elections came in. — Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for riotous

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Rhymes for riotous

See All Rhymes for riotous

Browse Nearby Words

riotise
riotous
riotously
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riotous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riotous. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

riotous

adjective
ri·​ot·​ous ˈrī-ət-əs How to pronounce riotous (audio)
1
a
: of the nature of a riot
b
: taking part in rioting
2
: abundant
a garden riotous with flowers
riotously adverb

Legal Definition

riotous

adjective
ri·​ot·​ous ˈrī-ə-təs How to pronounce riotous (audio)
1
: of the nature of a riot
riotous conduct
2
: participating in a riot
a riotous assemblage

More from Merriam-Webster on riotous

Nglish: Translation of riotous for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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