What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tumultuous
Example
The crowd became tumultuous after the controversial decision was announced. [tumultuous: adjective]
Example
The country experienced a tumultuous period of political upheaval in the 1980s. [tumultuous: adjective]
turmoil
Example
The company was in turmoil after the CEO resigned unexpectedly. [turmoil: noun]
Example
She was in a state of emotional turmoil after the breakup. [turmoil: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Turmoil is more commonly used than tumultuous in everyday language. Turmoil is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while tumultuous is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tumultuous and turmoil?
Both tumultuous and turmoil are more commonly used in formal writing than in everyday conversation. However, tumultuous may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.