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 precise impact of any individual funding reduction is difficult to quantify because the Ebola outbreak and its spread has been influenced by many factors, including political turmoil, armed conflict and mistrust in healthcare workers. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

Away from the scoreboard, however, the team endured near-constant turmoil. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

In the first months of 2026, supply chains had to contend with cost pressures and geopolitical turmoil. — Footwear News, 22 July 2026

The top-level changes late Tuesday were intended to draw a line under an unwelcome spasm of political turmoil that lasted almost a week and prompted rejoicing in Russia. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 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