What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tumult
Example
The stadium was filled with the tumult of cheering fans. [tumult: noun]
Example
The political rally erupted into a tumult of shouting and pushing. [tumult: noun]
turmoil
Example
The company was in turmoil after the CEO resigned. [turmoil: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of turmoil as she struggled to make a difficult decision. [turmoil: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Turmoil is more commonly used than tumult in everyday language. Turmoil is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tumult is less common and refers to a more specific type of disturbance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tumult and turmoil?
Both tumult and turmoil are formal words that are typically used in serious or dramatic contexts, such as news reports, literature, or historical accounts.