Definition of tumultuousnext
1
as in turbulent
marked by sudden or violent disturbance one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of the region

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 tumultuous Unfortunately for Cruyff and Van ‘t Schip, this was their most lasting influence on Guadalajara — the former’s period as advisor turning into a tumultuous nine months. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 25 June 2026 Aside from FitzGerald’s gripe, the day’s budget action was a relatively benign way to cap a tumultuous budget process, that was reflected two weeks ago by a demonstration from activists protesting city budget cuts that shut down the City Council meeting for two hours and led to eight arrests. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026 Written by An American Pickle scribe Simon Rich, Artificial chronicles the tumultuous period in 2023 when Altman was fired from OpenAI and subsequently rehired just a few days later. Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 23 June 2026 Murrell’s sentencing caps a tumultuous period for Scotland’s dominant party, which supports independence from the United Kingdom, and the former power couple once at its helm. ABC News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tumultuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tumultuous
Adjective
  • Directed by Guadagnino from a screenplay by Saturday Night Live alum Simon Rich, Artificial explores Sam Altman’s OpenAI and the company’s turbulent period in 2023 when he was fired and rehired in a matter of days.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 June 2026
  • The trauma of a turbulent household had aged her beyond her years.
    Latif Love June 26, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • After a couple of rough shooting nights against Minnesota and Las Vegas, the Valkyries found their groove.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • Salicylic acid works deep within pores to tackle buildup, while lactic acid smooths rough texture and refines skin’s surface, leaving skin looking clearer and feeling smoother in just a few swipes.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The march stems from the violent 1969 police raid of the Stonewall Inn that catalyzed the gay rights movement at a time when many people who were LGBTQIA+ hid their identity.
    Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 28 June 2026
  • Over the years, Hall has responded to emergencies ranging from domestic violence calls to serious violent crimes.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Despite Gulf states’ efforts to avoid a regional conflict, the US – alongside Israel – launched a war against Iran, triggering ferocious retaliatory attacks across the Gulf and forcing regional governments to confront once again the question of what American protection really means.
    Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • In the film’s ferocious climax, Jim is shot but escapes with Selena and Hannah, and the story closes (28 days later) back in the countryside as a jet flies over and augurs their rescue.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The 2023 arrest of her then-10-year-old cousin for urinating in public brought fierce condemnation.
    Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • For a party that prides itself on diversity, the clashes have exacerbated fierce debates over identity politics and long-standing rifts between progressives and moderates.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • There was a furious campaign in India, led by the public, the media, and politicians, demanding revenge.
    Michael Kugelman, Time, 26 June 2026
  • There are no rookies likely to get that kind of prominence on this year’s Oilers team, but there are young players who will get noticed due to furious forechecking.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tumultuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tumultuous. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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