What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
turmoil
Example
The company was in turmoil after the CEO resigned. [turmoil: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of turmoil as she tried to make a difficult decision. [turmoil: noun]
upheaval
Example
The merger caused an upheaval in the company's operations. [upheaval: noun]
Example
The country experienced a period of upheaval during the revolution. [upheaval: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Turmoil is more commonly used in everyday language than upheaval. Turmoil is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while upheaval is more formal and less frequently used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between turmoil and upheaval?
Upheaval is a more formal word than turmoil. It is typically used in more serious or academic contexts, while turmoil can be used in both formal and informal settings.