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.

Regardless, the tumult around this sport is wearing on the fans who follow it, at least a little bit. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Was remembers the tumult, violence and hope that came out of that era in his hometown of Detroit. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Despite the tumult of fame, Bono has credited his wife of over four decades with helping to keep him grounded—and vice versa. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 14 June 2026 Woolf composed her great modernist novels and her brilliant essays while troubled by suicidal thoughts and the tumult of two world wars. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 1 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

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

tumulose

tumult

tumultuary

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Tumult.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumult. Accessed 10 Jul. 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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