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.
Regardless of the political turmoil and debate around the cryptoasset sector the fact remains that institutional adoption has continued virtually unabated. Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025 Your new book dives into themes like corruption and cultural turmoil. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 16 July 2025 When interviewed last year, Hernandez blamed part of the financial turmoil on constantly rising costs, especially since the pandemic. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2025 Months later, talent manager Roger Davies would sign Turner — who’d found fame amid much personal turmoil as one half of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue — as a solo act, launching her career into the stratosphere. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2025 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 25 Jul. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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