uproar

Meanings

1. 1nounsingular

   A burst of loud noise and shouting from a group of people who are excited, upset or in disagreement.

   Grammar: Normally used in the singular, often with 'in': the room was in uproar; a plural 'uproars' is rare.

   Patterns

   • in uproar
   • an uproar over something
   • cause an uproar

   The classroom was in uproar when the substitute teacher walked out.

   An uproar broke out in the stadium after the referee's decision.

   Laughter and shouting created such an uproar that nobody could hear the speaker.

2. 2nounsingular

   A strong public reaction of anger or protest against something, shown in the media or in meetings.

   Grammar: Often followed by over or about: an uproar over the new tax.

   Patterns

   • an uproar over something
   • spark an uproar

   The plan to close the library caused an uproar in the town.

   There was public uproar when the company raised prices for the third time.

   The mayor's comments sparked an uproar on social media.

Word forms

Common combinations

in uproar

The whole parliament was in uproar after the announcement.

cause an uproar

His rude remark caused an uproar among the guests.

public uproar

There was public uproar over the sudden fee increase.

spark an uproar

The leaked memo sparked an uproar in the company.

an uproar over something

There was an uproar over the cancelled concert.

erupt in uproar

The crowd erupted in uproar when the goal was disallowed.

Synonyms and how they differ

commotion

Commotion is a noisy disturbance that is often smaller and shorter than an uproar, and does not need an angry reason.

outcry

Outcry stresses public protest or complaint, whereas uproar can also describe pure noise and confusion.

pandemonium

Pandemonium is wilder and more chaotic than uproar, suggesting complete loss of order.

furor

Furor is a wave of public anger or excitement, usually about an issue, and rarely describes noise in a room.

Opposites

Word family

uproarious adjective

very noisy and full of laughter

uproariously adverb

in a loud, laughing way

Commonly confused: uproar or outcry?

Practice

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