riotous

adjective

ri·​ot·​ous ˈrī-ə-təs 

1

a

: of the nature of a riot : turbulent

b

: participating in riot

2

: abundant, exuberant

the garden was riotous with flowers

riotously adverb

riotousness noun

Synonyms of riotous

• humorous
• comedic
• funny
• amusing
• comic
• comical
• hysterical
• ridiculous
• entertaining

Examples of riotous in a Sentence

a riotous profusion of flowers

his riotous mugging always has everyone in hysterics

Recent Examples on the Web

Chicago Police Superintendent James Conlisk responded by saying the Cubs might welcome a riotous crowd in the summer if the season went astray, blowing off their request. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

His current work is less abrasive, more reggae-themed than riotous. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026

The hillside behind her was sprinkled with desert golds, but the display fell short of the riotous eruption of flowers posted on social media. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

The free event in Cass Corridor is an annual riotous, jazzy parade that draws thousands to join in wacky and wonderful costumes and floats, while marking the start to spring. —Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for riotous

• quietus

Kids Definition

riotous

adjective

ri·​ot·​ous ˈrī-ət-əs 

1

a

: of the nature of a riot

b

: taking part in rioting

2

: abundant

a garden riotous with flowers

riotously adverb

Legal Definition

riotous

adjective

ri·​ot·​ous ˈrī-ə-təs 

1

: of the nature of a riot

riotous conduct

2

: participating in a riot

a riotous assemblage