# tumultuous

/ˌtuˈməɫˌtʃuəs/ (US) · /tjuːmˈʌltʃuːəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tumultuous
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. loud and excited

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

very loud and full of energy, usually because a large crowd is excited or cheering.

For teachers: characterized by loud, confused noise, typically involving a large group of people expressing strong emotion.

- The singer was greeted by tumultuous applause as she walked onto the stage.
- The prime minister's arrival was met with a tumultuous reception, as supporters and protesters alike shouted to be heard above the din.

### 2. chaotic and changing

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

full of confusion, change, or trouble.

For teachers: marked by tumult, upheaval, or violent agitation; often used to describe historical periods or personal relationships.

- After a tumultuous year of job changes and moving house, they finally felt settled.
- The country underwent a tumultuous transition to democracy, marked by frequent cabinet reshuffles and widespread civil unrest.

## Examples

- The crowd gave the speaker a tumultuous welcome.
- After a tumultuous decade of political change, the country finally held its first peaceful elections.
- The explorer's journals provide a vivid account of his tumultuous journey across the Atlantic, detailing both the violent storms and the internal conflicts among his weary crew.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.