Riot - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT riot /ˈraɪət/ /ˈraɪət/ IPA guide

Other forms: riots; rioting; rioted

A riot is a violent outburst by a crowd. When the principal didn't declare a snow day, even with five inches on the ground already, students rioted, gathering outside and throwing snowballs.

The meaning of riot has stretched over the years. You would say "She is a riot" about a funny or outrageous person. A loud clothing combination might represent a riot of texture and color. When something runs riot, it has been allowed to get out of control.

Definitions of riot

noun a state of disorder involving group violence synonyms: rioting see moresee less type of: disorder a disturbance of the peace or of public order
noun a public act of violence by an unruly mob synonyms: public violence see moresee less types: race riot a riot caused by hatred for one another of members of different races in the same community type of: force, violence an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
verb take part in a riot; disturb the public peace by engaging in a riot “Students were rioting everywhere in 1968” see moresee less type of: rampage act violently, recklessly, or destructively
noun a wild gathering synonyms: bacchanal, bacchanalia, debauch, debauchery, drunken revelry, saturnalia see moresee less type of: revel, revelry unrestrained merrymaking
verb celebrate or enjoy something in a noisy or wild way synonyms: carouse, roister see moresee less type of: jollify, make happy, make merry, make whoopie, racket, revel, wassail, whoop it up celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; engage in uproarious festivities
noun a joke that seems extremely funny synonyms: belly laugh, howler, scream, sidesplitter, thigh-slapper, wow see moresee less type of: gag, jape, jest, joke, laugh a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

Pronunciation US /ˈraɪət/ UK /ˈraɪət/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘riot'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing riot

"The Sporting Spirit"

by George Orwell (1945)

Schooled Gordon Korman

What happens when a homeschooled hippie suddenly has to navigate public middle school? Find out as you learn these words from Gordon Korman's funny and heartwarming novel.

"One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia, List 1

In the summer of 1968, three sisters travel to California to visit their estranged mother. While there, they learn about the fight for equality and civil rights. This list covers "Cassius Clay Clouds"–"Secret Agent Mother." Here are links to our lists for the novel: List 1, List 2, List 3, List 4, List 5, List 6, List 7, List 8, List 9, List 10 Here are links to our lists for other other books by Rita Williams-Garcia: P.S. Be Eleven, Gone Crazy in Alabama, Clayton Byrd Goes Underground

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