adjective
tumultuous
too-MUL-choo-us/tuːˈmʌltʃuəs/
Marked by intense disturbance or disorder.
The tumultuous meeting fills with shouting, conflicting gestures, and scattered papers.
Etymology
A tumult is the confused uproar of a crowd, so tumultuous describes something full of that disorder. The same image extends to emotions in a state of upheaval.
In context
it was a smelly messy noisy tumultuous place but by golly all of us would rather be on Noah's Ark than be bodysurfing
More examples
- The tumultuous meeting ends with members shouting over one another.
- After a tumultuous childhood, she finally feels safe and settled.
- Their tumultuous relationship swings between bitter arguments and tearful apologies.
Forms
tumultuous
tumult noun — A state of noisy confusion or disorder.
tumultuously adverb — In a noisy or disorderly manner.
Similar words
- turbulent
- Emphasizes instability and unrest, not necessarily noise or confusion.
- chaotic
- Emphasizes a complete lack of order or organization.
- disorderly
- Describes unruly behavior or disorganization without necessarily suggesting intense upheaval.