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 was sitting on a bench, and I looked over, and there was a huge commotion, and all the couple's friends were there.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Her husband, noticing the commotion, also went outside to investigate.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Upon hearing a commotion outside, McGlockton left the store to see 47-year-old Michael Drejka arguing heatedly with Jacobs.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

“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

The commotion of the other animals made him jump with every sound, alarmed by anything in a world he didn’t understand.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

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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