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.
Brown said those Big Tech companies affirming or even raising guidance saved the entire stock market from the massive turmoil in April. Yun Li, CNBC, 20 May 2025 How a Sustainable Clothing Entrepreneur Spends Her Sundays That remarkable string of turmoil comes as Mr. Trump has sought to enlist the tax collection agency in exacting political retribution. Andrew Duehren, New York Times, 20 May 2025 The agreement caused turmoil in the U.S. attorney’s office, with assistant U.S. attorneys Eli A. Alcaraz, Brian R. Faerstein, Michael J. Morse and Cassie Palmer, chief of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, all withdrawing from the case. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025 Contributor 2025 has brought significant turmoil to global markets, and consumer debt and financial stress are on the rise. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 May 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 28 May. 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

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