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.

“It kind of gums up the wheels of the urban economy just because of the commotion and congestion that’s created.”

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

When Cibrowski was on the floor of the ballroom when the commotion began, he texted his family to let them know he was OK.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Alexandra Ingersoll, a correspondent for One America News, told AFP she was inside when the commotion began, and saw Secret Service spring into action to protect the president.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

Leading opposition member and lawyer Fadzayi Mahere told the BBC that Zanu-PF supporters had caused the "commotion" in order to prevent critics from registering their disagreement with the bill.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Before Pong could ask what he meant or what had actually happened in the schoolroom, they heard the commotion of a large group of people.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat

Vocabulary lists containing commotion

100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 1

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List 6

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