1
a
: a violent public disorder
specifically
: a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled together and acting with a common intent
b
: public violence, tumult, or disorder
2
: a random or disorderly profusion
the woods were a riot of color
3
: one that is wildly amusing
the new comedy is a riot
4
archaic
a
: profligate behavior : debauchery
b
: unrestrained revelry
c
: noise, uproar, or disturbance made by revelers
rioted; rioting; riots
rioter
noun
Synonyms
Examples of riot in a Sentence
Noun
The news about the election caused a riot in the city.
A lot of property was damaged in the recent riots.
The woods are a riot of color in the autumn.
The movie was an absolute riot.
Verb
Students rioted after their team lost the football game.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brad Dress, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
At the time, some party leaders were still also bewildered—if not publicly outspoken—about their distress over Trump’s role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
—Sara Dorn, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
The filing also detailed Trump’s actions during the Jan. 6 riots, alleging that the former president spent most of the day watching Fox News and scrolling through Twitter as his supporters rioted at the Capitol.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riot 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
At the same time, there are also concerns of mass protests and potentially even riots if Trump wins the election.
—Brad Dress, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
At the time, some party leaders were still also bewildered—if not publicly outspoken—about their distress over Trump’s role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
—Sara Dorn, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
The designation comes four years after a mob of Trump supporters rioted at the Capitol, where the certification takes place.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
The filing also detailed Trump’s actions during the Jan. 6 riots, alleging that the former president spent most of the day watching Fox News and scrolling through Twitter as his supporters rioted at the Capitol.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riot
Dictionary Entries Near riot
Cite this Entry
“Riot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riot. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
riot
1 of 2 noun
ri·ot
ˈrī-ət 
1
: public violence, disturbance, or disorder
2
: a varied display of color
3
: something or someone very funny
riot
2 of 2 verb
: to create or take part in a riot
rioter
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share