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

Synonyms of turmoil

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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.
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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.
The Rutgers product landed in the northeast during a time the Liberty, the WNBA and New York as a whole experienced turmoil. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026 The United States and Israel launched an unnecessary campaign that has violated international law, killed at least 1,700 Iranian civilians (including 307 children), caused widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, and deepened regional turmoil. — Michael Fuchs, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026 Perez Hilton’s family has spoken out again following a week of turmoil for the media personality. — Malik Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026 The soccer world has been plunged into turmoil in the last week following the proposal by Infantino and FIFA to set up a separate entity – which would include private investors – to control the commercial and operational rights of the World Cup. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 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

Rhymes for turmoil

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Browse Nearby Words

turmit
turmoil
turmoiler
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Cite this Entry

“Turmoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turmoil. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of turmoil for Spanish Speakers

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