What does riotous mean?
Riotous means extremely lively, noisy, or exuberant, usually in a way that suggests a loss of ordinary restraint. It is often used of crowds, celebrations, laughter, applause, and other forms of collective excitement: a concert may receive riotous applause, while a street celebration can be described as riotous. The adjective can carry a positive sense of uninhibited enthusiasm, as when it suggests that people are celebrating with abandon. It can also have a more negative meaning, referring to something disorderly, unruly, or out of control, especially when describing a crowd or confrontation. In general usage, riotous is stronger and more dramatic than lively, noisy, or cheerful, and it often implies an intensity that is difficult to contain.
adjectiveCharacterized by great excitement, energy, or noise, especially in a way that seems disorderly or uncontrolled. It can also describe a crowd or gathering that is turbulent, unruly, or turbulent in its excitement.
- Extremely lively, excited, or exuberant, often to the point of disorder.
- Noisy, unruly, or chaotic, especially of a crowd or disturbance.
"The crowd erupted in riotous applause when the final goal was scored."
"After the announcement, the audience burst into riotous cheers."
"The dispute developed into a riotous confrontation between the two groups."
"The evening ended with riotous dancing and a fireworks display."
Riotous describes a celebration so exuberant that it seems almost impossible to contain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of riotous
Riotous developed in Middle English from riot, a word borrowed through Old French. Its development reflects the broader history of riot and its derivatives in English, including forms associated with public disorder and uncontrolled collective activity. The suffix -ous contributes the sense of being characterized by riot or commotion.
Related word forms
How riotous is actually used
The word is commonly used for events, crowds, laughter, applause, and celebrations that are intensely energetic or boisterous. It can suggest a degree of disorder, though often positively in the sense of uninhibited enthusiasm.
Easily confused with riotous
Riot is a noun meaning a violent or disorderly disturbance, while riotous is an adjective describing something wild, noisy, or exuberant.