turmoil

noun

ˈtər-ˌmȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce turmoil (audio)
Definition of turmoilnext
1
as in unrest
a disturbed or uneasy state was in turmoil most of the night, trying to convince himself he had made the right decision

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity avoided the turmoil of the mall during the holiday season

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of turmoil Trump and Xi have a delicate relationship, one that may define the next century of geopolitical needs and turmoil. — Philip Elliott, Time, 17 July 2026 The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average sidestepped some of the market turmoil, thanks in part to UnitedHealth’s post-earnings gain. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 July 2026 Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland amid political turmoil in America. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026 But when Maggie’s ex-husband, Liam (Marcus Rosner), arrives with a shocking revelation, her world is thrown into turmoil once again — leaving Cal questioning whether Maggie can ever truly leave her past behind. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turmoil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turmoil
  1. unrest
  2. commotion
  3. confusion
  4. disturbance
  5. excitement
  6. stir
  7. tension
  8. hurry
Noun
  • The killing sparked nationwide unrest, with cartel members erecting highway blockades and setting fire to vehicles and buildings across 20 Mexican states.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Haiti is on the State Department’s do not travel list — owing to such hazards as crime, kidnapping, terrorism and unrest.
    — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of unrest
Noun
  • In a United conference room tucked away from the commotion of the terminal, the musicians get out their instruments and are harmonizing a few seconds later.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • This surface commotion fires up all manner of predatory gamefish.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • Washington — The Federal Reserve has remained mum about interest rates as inflation concerns have heightened, leading to confusion about the state of the US economy.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • That has generated confusion about how rules ought to be applied and advantaged some schools and conferences over others.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • Officers say the changes are aimed at addressing a recent rise in overnight disturbances while reassuring visitors and businesses that Old Sacramento remains a safe destination.
    — Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • They are identified as brain activity accompanied with multisensory disturbances and sometimes don’t even cause the signature intense pain.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 30 July 2026
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • There has been no shortage of excitement surrounding Bank of America Stadium the past several days — and that enthusiasm will continue through the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday night.
    — Alex Zietlow July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
  • It’s been so cool to see all of the audience reception and theories and the excitement that people have for the character in the show is beyond me.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 July 2026
Definition of excitement
Noun
  • Alessandro Michele‘s reinventions of the iconic Valentino Rockstud shoe caused quite the stir when introduced in his pre-fall 2026 collection — but another one of Michele’s heel styles has been quietly heating up alongside it.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • This comment caused a stir in the press, and is widely believed to be part of the reason Sarah and the future king broke things off in early 1978.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 July 2026
Definition of stir
Noun
  • As tensions rise with the Sacramento County Office of Education, Sacramento City Unified is pressing ahead with a new fiscal sustainability plan aimed at avoiding insolvency and preserving local control.
    — Chaewon Chung July 30, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • Shaw also noted tensions with immigration enforcement crackdowns happening near school campuses.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
Definition of tension
Noun
  • Two years into her reign, in 2024, an insider revealed that Camilla wasn’t in any hurry to step away.
    — Starr Bowenbank, InStyle, 18 July 2026
  • Prairiewolf has always seemed bent on finding new territory while being in no particular hurry to get there.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 17 July 2026
Definition of hurry

Browse Nearby Words

turkeys
turmoil
turmoils
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Cite this Entry

“Turmoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turmoil. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of turmoil for Spanish Speakers

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