turmoil

noun

tur·​moil ˈtər-ˌmȯi(-ə)l 

: a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion

Synonyms

• 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

Shrewd dealmaker Anutin has been a mainstay in Thai politics throughout years of turmoil, positioning his Bhumjaithai party strategically between warring elites embroiled in an intractable power struggle and guaranteeing its place in a succession of coalition governments. —Panarat Thepgumpanat, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

Alexander shares his own tale of romantic turmoil. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025

Their accounts include previously unreported details about the turmoil unfolding at one of the nation’s leading health agencies. —Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 5 Sep. 2025

Despite ongoing macroeconomic turmoil and market chaos, high-end design firms continue to open stores and deepen their presence in new frontiers. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025

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