tumultuous

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Noisy, excited, and disorderly, especially describing a crowd or its reaction.

   Grammar: Usually before a noun or after a linking verb describing crowds, applause, or scenes.

   Patterns

   • tumultuous applause
   • a tumultuous crowd
   • a tumultuous welcome

   The speech ended with tumultuous applause.

   A tumultuous crowd filled the square after the announcement.

2. 2adjectivenot comparablefigurative

   Full of sudden change, conflict, or strong emotion over a period of time.

   Grammar: Common with period, year, relationship, history.

   Patterns

   • a tumultuous period
   • a tumultuous relationship
   • tumultuous times

   The company survived a tumultuous year of falling sales.

   Their friendship had a tumultuous beginning but grew steady.

Common combinations

tumultuous applause

The goalkeeper received tumultuous applause from the stands.

tumultuous period

The country entered a tumultuous period of reform.

tumultuous relationship

The two leaders had a long and tumultuous relationship.

Synonyms and how they differ

chaotic

Chaotic stresses total disorder; tumultuous can also imply loud excitement or intense change.

turbulent

Turbulent is common for air, water, markets, or times; tumultuous fits crowds and emotional periods.

stormy

Stormy is a common figurative word for conflict-filled relationships or periods; tumultuous is more formal.

Opposites

Word family

tumult noun

A state of loud confusion, noise, or disorder.

tumultuously adverb

In a noisy, confused, or intensely changeable way.

Commonly confused: tumultuous or tremendous?

Practice

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