turmoil

noun

tur·​moil ˈtər-ˌmȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce turmoil (audio)
: a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion

Examples of turmoil in a Sentence

The country has been in turmoil for the past 10 years. a period of political turmoil His life has been in a constant turmoil.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The two 45-year bandmates have been embroiled in on-again/off-again legal and personal turmoil for many years, feuding and sometimes suing each other of corporate and musical differences. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 Mix in front-office executives assuring playing time to certain players, regardless of performance, and turmoil in the clubhouse could have easily brewed — and justifiably so. Katie Woo, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 Field-altering books have deepened scholars’ understanding of the domestic turmoil of Revolutionary America, among other moments. Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025 Still, in a workforce of more than 2 million people, Kobrin acknowledges that not all federal workers are weathering the shutdown and the turmoil of the past nine months the same way. NPR, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turmoil

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turmoil was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turmoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turmoil. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

turmoil

noun
tur·​moil ˈtər-ˌmȯil How to pronounce turmoil (audio)
: a very confused or disturbed state or condition

More from Merriam-Webster on turmoil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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