turmoil

noun

tur·​moil ˈtər-ˌmȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce turmoil (audio)
Synonyms of turmoil
: 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.
London/Abu Dhabi — The United Arab Emirates will leave OPEC, a decades-old cartel of the world’s top oil exporters, delivering a shock that will ripple through global oil markets at a time of unprecedented turmoil caused by the Iran war. Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026 Current unpredictable turmoil underscores the importance of this steady ally. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 That left hundreds of tankers unable to enter or leave, causing turmoil in the markets. Finch Walker, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 Board members Hutchinson and Patrice Berry spoke at a virtual town hall on Monday as turmoil in the district echoes across the East Bay. CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026 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 30 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster