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Definitions

commotion

[kuh-moh-shuhn] / kəˈmoʊ ʃən /
NOUN
clamor, uproar
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agitation annoyance brouhaha bustle confusion excitement ferment flap furor fuss hubbub outcry pandemonium rebellion revolt tumult turbulence upheaval
STRONG
ado backwash ballyhoo bedlam clatter combustion convulsion discomposure disquiet dither fermentation flurry insurgence insurrection lather mutiny perturbation pother racket riot rumpus stew stir to-do uprising upset upturn vexation welter whirl
WEAK
big scene big stink hell broke loose hurly-burly
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm calmness happiness harmony order peace pleasure
STRONG
ease obedience quiet
WEAK
quietude repose silence stillness tranquility

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I heard … a commotion outside and I got nervous,” Anya said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

This week he put me in mind of a woman I once knew who was always roiled, always creating commotion and drama—quarrels, sudden attachments, fiery endings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Denis Esquivel was asleep at his home near Maduro’s compound when commotion from his neighbors stirred him awake.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

Australian film producer Leanne Tonkes was in the lounge on Thursday morning when she heard the commotion.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

I followed the both of them, only to see that it wasn’t Elmer junior who was the cause of the commotion this time.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.