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.

The commotion began when the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco in the 88th minute with the contest tied at 0-0 in Rabat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

During the April market commotion, a Central Huijin official told reporters that it has played a role in stabilizing markets since 2008 and mentioned the national team by name.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

Suddenly, there was a commotion in the crowd: a police car, blue lights flashing, was heading towards the US embassy gates, leading a small convoy of other vehicles.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025

Others didn’t hide their confusion at who the man with slicked-back graying hair causing such a commotion was.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2025

And with all the commotion, I’d completely forgotten to check my email and update Thomas.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Vocabulary lists containing commotion

100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 6

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!