RIOTOUS

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does riotous mean? 

• RIOTOUS (adjective)
  The adjective RIOTOUS has 3 senses:

1. produced or growing in extreme abundance

2. characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination

3. unrestrained by convention or morality

  Familiarity information: RIOTOUS used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• RIOTOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Produced or growing in extreme abundance

Synonyms:

exuberant; lush; luxuriant; profuse; riotous

Context example:

their riotous blooming

Similar:

abundant (present in great quantity)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination

Synonyms:

disruptive; riotous; troubled; tumultuous; turbulent

Context example:

a turbulent and unruly childhood

Similar:

unquiet (characterized by unrest or disorder)

Derivation:

riot (a public act of violence by an unruly mob)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Unrestrained by convention or morality

Synonyms:

debauched; degenerate; degraded; dissipated; dissolute; fast; libertine; profligate; riotous

Context example:

fast women

Similar:

immoral (deliberately violating accepted principles of right and wrong)

Derivation:

riot (a wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity)

 Context examples 

He could not stand them any more than he could stand the stupid first-cabin passengers and the riotous young people.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

At the end of the fifth round the odds were four to one, and the west-countrymen were riotous in their exultation.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Every afternoon brought a return of their riotous games all over the house; and she very early learned to sigh at the approach of Saturday's constant half-holiday.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

It is always so quiet and pleasant here, it does me good, Meg, she used to say, looking about her with wistful eyes, as if trying to discover the charm, that she might use it in her great house, full of splendid loneliness, for there were no riotous, sunny-faced babies there, and Ned lived in a world of his own, where there was no place for her.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

There was an offensive tone in it, perhaps, and yet in the main it struck me as mere riotous outcry, the noisy reception of one who amused and interested them, rather than of one they disliked or despised.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

On one side was a table occupied by some chattering girls, cutting up silk and gold paper; and on the other were tressels and trays, bending under the weight of brawn and cold pies, where riotous boys were holding high revel; the whole completed by a roaring Christmas fire, which seemed determined to be heard, in spite of all the noise of the others.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

Seated round it were a dozen or so folk, of all ages and conditions, who set up such a shout as Alleyne entered that he stood peering at them through the smoke, uncertain what this riotous greeting might portend.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Saturday afternoons are riotous times, whether spent in the house or out, for on pleasant days they all go to walk, like a seminary, with the Professor and myself to keep order, and then such fun!

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Laurie and Jo rowed one boat, Mr. Brooke and Ned the other, while Fred Vaughn, the riotous twin, did his best to upset both by paddling about in a wherry like a disturbed water bug.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

There were slow boys and bashful boys, feeble boys and riotous boys, boys that lisped and boys that stuttered, one or two lame ones, and a merry little quadroon, who could not be taken in elsewhere, but who was welcome to the 'Bhaer-garten', though some people predicted that his admission would ruin the school.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)