turmoil

noun

tur·moil | \ ˈtər-ˌmȯi(-ə)l

Definition of turmoil

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

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about turmoil

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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

Halfway into his third season with Minnesota that began in turmoil surrounding the eventual trade of All-Star Jimmy Butler, Thibodeau’s final game was a 108-86 victory over the LeBron James-less Los Angeles Lakers . — Dave Campbell, The Seattle Times, "Timberwolves fire coach, president Tom Thibodeau," 7 Jan. 2019 Mali has been in turmoil since a 2012 uprising by Tuaregs prompted mutinous soldiers to overthrow the president of a decade. — Fox News, "France proposes sanctions against Mali peace deal spoilers," 30 Aug. 2018 Mayor Tom Barrett has named Jeanette Kowalik as his pick to head the beleaguered agency, which has been in turmoil for months amid problems with its program aimed at preventing lead poisoning among children. — Mary Spicuzza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mayor Tom Barrett picks Jeanette Kowalik to lead troubled Milwaukee Health Department," 11 July 2018 Amid the turmoil, Republican Gov. Rick Scott agreed to step down from the state panel responsible for certifying the final results. — Kelli Kennedy, The Seattle Times, "Overheating machines complicate Florida’s recount battle," 14 Nov. 2018 Spiegel controls Snap, and is viewed by many as a product savant, so a lot of investors have kept hope that his product expertise would keep Snapchat going amid other turmoil. — Kurt Wagner, Recode, "Four reasons Snap’s stock price is at an all-time low," 16 Sep. 2018 But amid the political turmoil and violence in his home country, Abed has managed to find an outlet in soccer. — Jamie Goldberg, OregonLive.com, "Iraqi boy relishes chance to meet Timbers players, attend rivalry match while seeking medical help in Portland," 14 May 2018 In the face of such turmoil, either Mr. Trump or the Fed would blink. — Peter Conti-brown, WSJ, "Can Trump Fire Jerome Powell? It’s a Political Question," 10 Dec. 2018 The second season of American Gods, the Starz adaption of Neil Gaiman's 2001 novel, has been plagued for months by production turmoil, including the recent sidelining of its replacement show runner. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "The warring old and new gods are back in American Gods S2 teaser trailer," 6 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turmoil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

14 Jan 2019

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Time Traveler for turmoil

The first known use of turmoil was in 1526

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More Definitions for turmoil

turmoil

noun

English Language Learners Definition of turmoil

: a state of confusion or disorder

See the full definition for turmoil in the English Language Learners Dictionary

turmoil

noun

tur·moil | \ ˈtər-ˌmȯil

Kids Definition of turmoil

: a very confused or disturbed state or condition … Tom made an honest effort to study, but the turmoil within him was too great.— Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer