Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characterized by great noise, confusion, and disorder: Describing a situation, event, or period that is very loud, chaotic, and lacking order.
   • Marked by violent disturbance or upheaval: Describing a state of intense agitation, turbulence, or unrest, often involving public commotion or emotional turmoil.

Usage

The adjective "tumultuous" is used to describe situations, periods, or environments that are extremely noisy, chaotic, and emotionally charged. It often implies a lack of control and a high degree of unrest. It can describe physical events, like a riot, or more abstract periods, like a difficult era in history or a stormy relationship.

Examples

• Describing a period of time:
  • The country entered a tumultuous period following the revolution.
  • Their tumultuous relationship was filled with passionate arguments and reconciliations.
• Describing a noisy, chaotic scene:
  • The protest outside the building grew tumultuous.
  • The stadium erupted in tumultuous applause when the home team scored.

Advanced Usage

• "Tumultuously" (adverb): In a tumultuous manner.
  • The crowd cheered tumultuously.
• "Tumultuousness" (noun): The state or quality of being tumultuous.
  • The tumultuousness of the era is well-documented by historians.

Variants and Related Words

• Tumult (noun): A loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people; a state of confusion or disorder.
  • A tumult of shouting and sirens filled the air.
• Turbulent (adjective): Similar in meaning, describing something characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion.
  • The plane flew through turbulent air.

Synonyms

• Stormy: Characterized by strong winds and rain; (figuratively) full of angry or violent outbursts.
• Tempestuous: Very stormy; (figuratively) characterized by strong and turbulent emotion.
• Chaotic: In a state of complete confusion and disorder.
• Riotous: Characterized by or involving public disorder; wildly exuberant.
• Unruly: Disorderly and disruptive; not easily controlled.

Antonyms

• Peaceful: Free from disturbance; tranquil.
• Calm: Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.
• Orderly: Neatly and methodically arranged.
• Serene: Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.

Adjective

1. characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
   • effects of the struggle will be violent and disruptive
   • riotous times
   • these troubled areas
   • the tumultuous years of his administration
   • a turbulent and unruly childhood