What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agitation
Example
The news caused great agitation among the public. [agitation: noun]
Example
She was agitated by the thought of the upcoming exam. [agitated: adjective]
turmoil
Example
The country was in turmoil after the sudden change in government. [turmoil: noun]
Example
He felt a sense of turmoil as he struggled to make a difficult decision. [turmoil: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Turmoil is less common than agitation in everyday language. Agitation is a more versatile word that can be used to describe personal emotions or feelings, while turmoil is often used to describe social or political situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between agitation and turmoil?
Both agitation and turmoil are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as news reports or academic writing.
