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Definitions

riot

[rahy-uht] / ˈraɪ ət /
NOUN
uprising, disorder
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anarchy brawl disturbance lawlessness protest storm strife trouble turmoil uproar
STRONG
anarchism burst commotion confusion distemper flap fray free-for-all fuss hassle misrule mix up quarrel racket row ruckus ruction rumble rumpus run-in scene shivaree shower snarl stir to-do tumult turbulence
WEAK
brannigan mob violence street fighting wingding
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm order peace tranquility
STRONG
agreement calmness harmony
NOUN
very funny happening
Synonyms
STRONGEST
panic uproar
STRONG
boisterousness carousal confusion excess extravaganza festivity flourish frolic howl jollification lark merrymaking revelry romp scream sensation show sidesplitter skylark smash splash tumult wow
WEAK
high jinks
Antonyms
STRONG
seriousness
WEAK
solemnity
VERB
protest; cause an uproar
Synonyms
STRONGEST
rampage
STRONG
arise debauch dissipate fight racket rebel revolt rise
WEAK
go on rampage run riot stir up trouble take to the streets
Antonyms
STRONG
agree comply obey
WEAK
cooperate make peace

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.

She has covered a range of topics including the war in Ukraine, the supply-chain crisis, and the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

Pictures have shown those taking part in the Britain First march and counter protesters coming against lines of police in riot gear.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

He is a mediocrity while the jejune young man running riot in the palace is a miraculous, world-changing prodigy.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

Okan Buruk's Turkish champions ran riot after the break as Lang pounced on a loose ball in the six-yard box to level on 49 minutes.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

Angles, colors, the riot of snowflakes, the din of Sid’s band—everything was soft and kind and infinitely forgiving.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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