adjective
riotous
RYE-uh-tuhs/ˈraɪətəs/
Wildly lively or disorderly.
The riotous celebration sends streamers flying as the young adults shout and jump.
Etymology
Originally describing argumentative or quarrelsome behavior, the adjective came to cover wanton conduct and public turbulence. Its modern meaning extends that unruliness to wildly noisy or uncontrolled behavior.
In context
these are the proceedings of a tumultuous and riotous rabble
More examples
- Her impression of the principal draws riotous laughter.
- The quiet dinner turns into a riotous celebration.
- Security guards struggle to control the riotous crowd.
Forms
riotous
riot noun — A violent disturbance by a crowd.
riotously adverb — In a wildly lively or disorderly way.
Similar words
- boisterous
- Emphasizes noisy, energetic behavior rather than serious disorder.
- unruly
- Emphasizes resistance to control rather than exuberant energy.
- exuberant
- Expresses joyful energy without necessarily implying noise or disorder.