turmoil

noun

tur·​moil ˈtər-ˌmȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce turmoil (audio)
Synonyms of turmoilnext
: 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 turmoil is likely to exacerbate distrust in the government. ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026 Global shipping and oil markets are already in turmoil after Iran responded to the American-Israeli attack by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, prompting what the International Energy Agency described as the worst disruption in the history of the oil market. Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026 Where things stand in Congress As of March 28, there is little sign that a deal is imminent to resolve the partial government shutdown that is fueling turmoil for travelers and unpaid TSA workers. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026 Shipping through the chokepoint has ground to a near halt amid Iranian attacks, sending global energy markets into turmoil and forcing countries far beyond the Persian Gulf to take emergency measures to secure fuel supplies. Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026 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 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

turmoil

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

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