noun

turmoil

/ˈtɜːrmɔɪl/ · say it: TER·moyl

a state of great confusion

In From the Front Page

In more detail

a state of great confusion, disorder, or disturbance; a time when things are very chaotic or troubled

Examples

The country was in turmoil after the sudden change of government.
Her emotions were in turmoil as she waited for the test results.

How to use turmoil

Turmoil describes a state of serious confusion or disturbance, often involving both physical chaos and emotional or social disruption. It is slightly more formal and dramatic than 'mess' or 'confusion', and typically implies significant instability that affects multiple people or areas. It is common in discussions of politics, economics, and personal crises.

Common phrases

in turmoil
financial turmoil
political turmoil
emotional turmoil
thrown into turmoil

Synonyms

chaos · tumult · upheaval · turvy · commotion

Opposites

calm · peace · order

Word family

turmoil (noun) · turmiled (rare adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'turmoil' as a verb (e.g., 'the situation turmoiled'), but it functions only as a noun; use 'throw into turmoil' or similar constructions instead.

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