When things get out of hand, a serious ruckus can occur. However, there are numerous other synonyms that can describe the same situation. A commotion, disturbance or disruption can all describe a situation where there is a lot of noise and confusion. A tumult often refers to a violent commotion, whereas a fracas can imply a physical altercation. For a more serious tone, terms such as pandemonium, bedlam and chaos can be used to describe a situation that is completely out of control. At times, a minor altercation or disagreement can escalate into a serious ruckus in no time.