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.
The federal program temporarily gives work authorization for people from countries in turmoil. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Antonio Maria Delgado and Verónica Egui Brito Miami Herald (tns), arkansasonline.com, 2 Feb. 2025 For more than a year, the company had been in turmoil after David Begelman, president of the movie studio, was discovered to have forged checks. Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025 As the country continues to be torn by turmoil, there is a general lack of belief that elections later this year would be held in a fair and non-partisan manner. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 31 Jan. 2025 Amid the turmoil, Medicaid payment portals went dark in states across the country, sounding alarms over whether millions of patients in the program — including low-income children and nursing home residents — would lose access to care. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 28 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near turmoil

Cite this Entry

“Turmoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turmoil. Accessed 5 Feb. 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
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