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

Inspired by Soviet dissidents who secretly circulated writing, the sessions encourage participants to reclaim private expression in an era of political turmoil, data mining and government pressure that curtails public expression. — Miranda Huang, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Hurricane Otis in 2023 unexpectedly plunged Acapulco into turmoil for weeks. — Megan Janetsky, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026

That inner turmoil is all over Faith, which is why the album remains an eternal worldwide pop obsession. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026

State education officials have said little about the ongoing turmoil within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, but North Carolina law gives the state some authority to step in if the district is found to have financial issues. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 25 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