moil 1 of 2

noun

Definition of moilnext
1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity went for a retreat at the monastery for a temporary respite from the moil of the modern world

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2
as in labor
very hard or unpleasant work fed up with the moil and moneygrubbing of Wall Street, he decided to open a bed-and-breakfast in Vermont

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moil

2 of 2

verb

ˈmȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce moil (audio)
1
as in to labor
to devote serious and sustained effort miners moiling all day in the sunless recesses of the earth

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2
as in to swirl
to be in a state of violent rolling motion the angry mob moiled around the courthouse

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of moil
Noun
The delight of online life gave way to its moil, and the pleasure of online services has been eroded by their many downsides, from compulsion to autocracy. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2020 During the Cold War, hot tensions became hopeless moils, conducted for political benefit as much as (and, over time, more than) moral right. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moil
  1. commotion
  2. labor
  3. struggle
  4. swirl
  5. disturbance
  6. effort
  7. strive
  8. churn
Noun
  • Naturally, this means that even something as small as a new shade of Pocket Blush is bound to cause tons of commotion—and spoiler alert, that’s exactly what happened after Hailey’s recent date night routine.
    — Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Pilots heard the commotion and turned the flight around back to Savannah, police said.
    — Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • Certainly; no partner should have to shoulder the burden of household labor entirely on their own.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Los Angeles City Attorney’s office spokesman Ivor Pine said Urías was placed on 36 months of summary probation and ordered to complete 30 days of community labor.
    — Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of labor
Verb
  • England have struggled at the latter position in recent years, and with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall out injured until next season, Spence could be Tuchel’s best option there already.
    — Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Still, with fewer employees, the department may struggle to meet the demands of a growing number of applicants.
    — Scott White, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of struggle
Verb
  • With rumors swirling about meetings and plans for specific teams, here is a prediction for where the top remaining quarterback options this offseason will play.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • No one doubts the charismatic star is headed back to WWE, as rumors have swirled about his return over the past six months.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of swirl
Noun
  • The source of the disturbance was just over a mile deep, experts say.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025
  • According to a spokesman from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which investigated the shooting, Independence police responded to a disturbance around 8 p.m. at a home in the 800 block of E. College Street in Independence.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • Engaging in advocacy efforts, whether by contacting lawmakers or participating in petitions, can help raise awareness of the department's critical role in higher education.
    — Scott White, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Newcastle suddenly had a purpose, which has always been the basis of Howe’s efforts.
    — George Caulkin, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of effort
Verb
  • Kyiv has been striving to prove its readiness for peace while stressing that no deal can succeed without American security guarantees to deter repeat Russian aggression.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025
  • As artificial intelligence significantly impacts industries, business leaders strive to adopt this technology immediately to remain competitive.
    — Alexandr Khomich, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of strive
Verb
  • And in too many cases, the customer churns instead of expanding.
    — Ron Carson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Crashing waves, rushing streams, and roaring waterfalls churned up sprays of water into an atmosphere rich with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, methane and ammonia.
    — Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of churn

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Cite this Entry

“Moil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moil. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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