Synonyms for
Riot
Definition
a violent disturbance of the peace by a crowd
Synonyms & similar words
drunkenrevelry
roister
thighslapper
saturnalia
orgy
bacchanal
bacchanalia
sidesplitter
carouse
debauchery
scream
howler
bellylaugh
publicviolence
debauch
wow
rioting
uproar
disturbance
tumult
turmoil
commotion
disorder
chaos
anarchy
insurrection
revolt
mutiny
rebellion
uprising
protest
demonstration
strike
boycott
walkout
disruption
unrest
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- riot police
- riot control
- riot gear
- riot act
- riotous assembly
- riotous behavior
- a riot of color
Word family
Usage note
While 'riot' can refer to a violent disturbance, it can also be used metaphorically, as in 'a riot of color,' to describe something abundant and varied. Be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretation.
Example sentences
- The riot broke out after the team lost the championship game.
- The city was in chaos as riots erupted in the streets.
- The police used tear gas to disperse the rioting crowd.
- The government declared a state of emergency to deal with the riots.
- The store closed early to avoid any potential riots.
Quotes
I think the riots were a spontaneous outburst of anger by people who feel they have been betrayed by the system.
A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard.
The riot isn't seen in the movie, but it is alluded to. He has this one speech that gives a great sense of texture and paints a picture of what was happening in Harlem then.