turmoil

noun

tur·​moil ˈtər-ˌmȯi(-ə)l 

: a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion

Synonyms

• disquiet
• ferment
• fermentation
• restiveness
• restlessness
• Sturm und Drang
• uneasiness
• unquietness
• unrest

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

The new duties, which follow Trump’s previous tariffs on goods from China, Mexico and Canada, are set to raise costs and cause turmoil for countless fashion businesses. —Marc Bain and Joan Kennedy, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025

President Trump’s tariffs cause turmoil among the markets and U.S. allies. —Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025

Stock futures plunged and after-hours trading descended into turmoil as Trump pledged steep tariffs on some of the U.S.'s top trading partners. —Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025

Following that turmoil, Wall Street expects a rebound ahead for the megacap tech giant and retail investor favorite. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for turmoil

• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil
• tinfoil
• topsoil
• trefoil
• aerofoil

Kids Definition

turmoil

noun

tur·​moil ˈtər-ˌmȯil 

: a very confused or disturbed state or condition