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

That film showed the constant turmoil and terror of life in Palestine. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2026

Soon, an Angels’ season filled with firings, turmoil and loss after loss after loss will come to its merciful conclusion. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The decision on Friday follows years of turmoil over the hospitals and comes more than five months after West Suburban abruptly closed, and more than a year after Weiss in Uptown shuttered. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Despite the turmoil, which heavily interrupted travel, the region’s response has been to carry on with business as usual. — Sujata Assomull, Vogue, 10 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