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

Last week, the state oil producer raised the price of its main oil grade for buyers in Asia for April by the most since August 2022 amid the turmoil in the Middle East. —Christine Burke, Bloomberg, 8 Mar. 2026

The market turmoil pulled the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 3% on the week, while the S & P 500 lost 2%. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026

Soccer's global showcase has been clouded by recent events, including the war with Iran and turmoil in Mexico following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera in a military operation. —CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

Either course of action could disrupt the fragile peace process between Turkey and the PKK, adding even more turmoil to the region. —Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 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