What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
turmoil
Example
The country was in turmoil after the sudden change in leadership. [turmoil: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of turmoil as she tried to make a difficult decision. [turmoil: noun]
confusion
Example
There was some confusion about the meeting time, so we had to reschedule. [confusion: noun]
Example
I'm confused about how to solve this math problem. [confused: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confusion is more commonly used than turmoil in everyday language. Confusion is a common experience that people encounter regularly, while turmoil is a more extreme and less frequent occurrence.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between turmoil and confusion?
Both turmoil and confusion can be used in formal or informal contexts, but turmoil may be more commonly used in serious or dramatic situations, while confusion can be used in a wider range of contexts.