adjective

tumultuous

/tuːˈmʌltʃuəs/ · say it: too·MUL·choo·uhs

noisy, confused or full of upheaval

In From the Front Page

In more detail

1. (adjective) characterized by chaos, disorder, and often violence or strong emotions; very confused and disturbed

2. (adjective) (of a crowd or gathering) loud, energetic, and difficult to control

Examples

1. The country experienced a tumultuous period of civil unrest and political change.
2. The concert ended with tumultuous cheering and applause from the excited fans.

How to use tumultuous

Tumultuous describes situations marked by disorder, conflict, or intense emotion, often with a dramatic or even violent quality. It is more evocative and literary than simple synonyms like chaotic, and often implies upheaval with emotional resonance rather than mere disorganization. It appears frequently in historical or personal narratives describing turbulent periods.

Common phrases

tumultuous applause
tumultuous period
tumultuous crowd
tumultuous relationship
tumultuous times

Synonyms

chaotic · turbulent · stormy · tempestuous · riotous

Opposites

peaceful · calm · orderly

Word family

tumultuously (adverb) · tumultuousness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use tumultuous interchangeably with merely 'loud' or 'energetic' without recognizing the inherent sense of confusion, disorder, or emotional intensity that distinguishes it from neutral liveliness.

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