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.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! — Steve Daniels, editorial board member This year has been filled with election turmoil and other big news events. Chicago Tribune, 28 Nov. 2024 Gottheimer is part of a group of congressional Jewish Democrats who found a rare area of bipartisan agreement in criticizing college administrators amid the campus turmoil prompted by the Israel-Hamas war. Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024 Some investors who foresee global turmoil roiling markets may prefer to avoid individual company stocks altogether, and bet instead on volatility and uncertainty itself. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 26 Nov. 2024 While past circumstances can’t predict future outcomes, knowing how the odds shift in times of turmoil can help ease the emotional burden around our investment decisions. Bret Kenwell, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near turmoil

Cite this Entry

“Turmoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turmoil. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

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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