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

Synonyms of tumult

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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.
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 Yet another source of possible tumult doesn't bother the team leaders. — ABC News, 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 The global economy in tumult, inflicting financial pain on American citizens that will linger even as oil prices decline. — Daniel B. Shapiro, The Atlantic, 17 June 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

tumulose
tumult
tumultuary
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Cite this Entry

“Tumult.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumult. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tumult

noun
tu·​mult ˈt(y)ü-ˌməlt How to pronounce tumult (audio)
1
: uproar
a great tumult arose in the stands
2
: great confusion of mind

More from Merriam-Webster on tumult

Nglish: Translation of tumult for Spanish Speakers

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