B1noun 3K

Tumult

UK //ˈtjuːmʌlt// US //ˈtumʌlt// Pronunciation

Definition

A loud and confused noise, especially created by a large group of people.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A loud, chaotic noise or disturbance.

Examples

• The tumult in the stadium was deafening as the game reached its climax.
• After the announcement, a tumult erupted among the crowd, filled with cheers and shouts.
• She found it hard to concentrate amid the tumult of the ongoing construction.
• The political debate was marked by tumult, with candidates frequently interrupting each other.
• In the face of tumult, the leaders struggled to maintain order and calm the citizens.

Usage notes

Used to describe noisy and chaotic situations, often in a negative context. Suitable for both written and spoken English.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'tumult' as a 'tumultuous' crowd creating noise.

Collocations

• grow into a tumult
• create a tumult
• in a state of tumult

Synonyms

• uproar
• chaos
• commotion
• tumultuousness

Antonyms

• calm
• silence

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'tumultuous', which refers to something characterized by tumult.
• Using it to describe calm situations.