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

But Pritzker’s enthusiastic comments came shortly before new turmoil erupted in Michigan, where Democrats are trying to hold a seat critical to their hopes of taking the Senate. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

This turmoil exposes deepening fault lines within the party, not just over Israel but also regarding its future identity, Gringlas says. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026

Bass has talked up the city’s drop in violent crime, including a 47% reduction in homicides, and warned that Raman’s plan to remove the police chief would throw the LAPD into turmoil right before the Olympics. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Strict controls on capital flows limit foreign investors’ participation in Chinese markets, reducing the possibility that turmoil could spread internationally. — John Liu, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 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