What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tumultuous
Example
The tumultuous crowd made it difficult for the police to maintain order. [tumultuous: adjective]
Example
She had a tumultuous childhood, moving from place to place and never feeling settled. [tumultuous: adjective]
tempestuous
Example
The tempestuous sea made it dangerous for the sailors to navigate. [tempestuous: adjective]
Example
Their tempestuous relationship was marked by frequent arguments and passionate reconciliations. [tempestuous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tumultuous is more commonly used than tempestuous in everyday language, especially in social and emotional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tumultuous and tempestuous?
Both tumultuous and tempestuous are formal words that are typically used in written or spoken language that requires a higher level of vocabulary and sophistication.
