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

Their new manager, who was a Padres relief pitcher during much of the recent turmoil and a behind-the-scenes observer for other instances, is anti-drama at his core. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026

Harris was forced out of the CDC in the turmoil of spring 2025. —Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 8 Feb. 2026

The turmoil appears to be driving down the value of the British pound, and bettors think there is only a 33 percent chance that Starmer’s rule lasts the year. —Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026

The turmoil helped lift the dollar to its first weekly gain since early January while the Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 50,000 for the first time, reflecting investor optimism about the US economy and corporate earnings. —Maria Paula Mijares Torres, Fortune, 8 Feb. 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