turmoil

noun

tur·​moil ˈtər-ˌmȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce turmoil (audio)
: a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ruling especially makes those with no other lawful pathways vulnerable to deportation to a homeland in turmoil so extreme the federal government opted to grant TPS in the first place. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025 Stifling his true identity, Tatum lets the audience into his inner turmoil through his eyes, where his mouth says one thing but those green irises tell a whole other story. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 The book is a policy handbook meant to address the realities of political life following the turmoil of the French Revolution, presenting a Christian alternative to both the authoritarian secular liberalism and counterrevolutionary movements of the day. Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025 Other Western democracies experience polarization and political turmoil, too, yet do not experience this problem. Garret Martin, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turmoil

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turmoil was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turmoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turmoil. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

turmoil

noun
tur·​moil ˈtər-ˌmȯil How to pronounce turmoil (audio)
: a very confused or disturbed state or condition

More from Merriam-Webster on turmoil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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