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

Furthermore, recent internal turmoil, including COO Axel Merk's resignation citing governance concerns, casts a shadow. — Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

In Miami, Daniels will be taking over a port facing turmoil over missteps related to a nearby fuel yard. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026

All donor types stepped up to give amid the turmoil, McGrady notes, because charities made their needs known. — ABC News, 23 June 2026

People walk past the Korea Exchange (KRX) building, as stock markets in Asia as a whole have been affected by the intensifying political turmoil over president Yoon Suk Yeol's role in martial law, in Seoul, South Korea, on 9 December, 2024. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 23 June 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