What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tumult
Example
The stadium was filled with tumult as the fans cheered on their team. [tumult: noun]
Example
The protesters created a tumultuous scene outside the government building. [tumultuous: adjective]
commotion
Example
The commotion in the classroom disrupted the teacher's lesson. [commotion: noun]
Example
There was a lot of commotion in the street after the car accident. [commotion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Commotion is more commonly used than tumult in everyday language. Commotion is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tumult is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tumult and commotion?
Both tumult and commotion are relatively formal words and may not be used in casual conversation. However, commotion is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.