Meaning
A tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by a large group of people, often involving violence or damage to property.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From Middle English riot (“debauched living, dissipation”), from Old French riote (“debate”), from rioter (“to quarrel”), perhaps related to riboter or from Latin rugio (“to roar”). Compare French riotte and Occitan riòta.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
anarchybreach of the peacechaosdiscordtroubledisorderdisorderlinessdisturbanceinstabilitylawlessness
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 18 recorded puzzles:
- 2026-07-14TCILORV
- 2026-03-19RAIJNOT
- 2026-03-18RAIJNOT
- 2026-03-13IARCHOT
- 2026-01-06TARBIOV
- 2025-06-19OVATMIR
- 2025-03-15OVATRIL
- 2025-02-05IARNJOT
- 2024-11-13IDMORTY
- 2024-10-29OFYTRIM
- 2024-08-04TRBOIHN
- 2024-05-08RIPNMOT
+6 earlier appearances in the archive.