turmoil

noun

tur·​moil ˈtər-ˌmȯi(-ə)l 

: a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion

Synonyms of turmoil

• unrest
• confusion
• excitement
• tension
• upheaval
• turbulence
• anxiety

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

The federal investigation into Castro created turmoil inside the Justice Department, with a prosecutor on the case accusing higher-ups of blocking efforts to bring more serious civil rights charges. — Valerie Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

So many teams began the season in a state of turmoil, with key players uncertain over their future and positions unfilled. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

It's been a difficult summer for Russians — a season of almost daily turmoil, frustration and anxiety. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

That’s part of the reason why the bond market is in turmoil, with Treasury yields surging in recent months and, in particular, over the past couple weeks. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for turmoil

• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil
• tinfoil
• topsoil
• trefoil
• aerofoil

Kids Definition

turmoil

noun

tur·​moil ˈtər-ˌmȯil 

: a very confused or disturbed state or condition