turbulent

adjective

ˈtər-byə-lənt How to pronounce turbulent (audio)
Definition of turbulentnext
1
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity the turbulent struggle for civil rights that shook up American society in the 1960s

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2
as in rough
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements the turbulent rapids of the river were certainly daunting to those of us who were new to river rafting

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3
as in bleak
marked by wet and windy conditions expect turbulent weather as the cold front brings rain and sleet

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4
as in tumultuous
marked by sudden or violent disturbance these are turbulent, dangerous times in a region known for being a powder keg

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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 turbulent Weaker global markets, which have impacted tech stock valuations, and the turbulent performance of SpaceX’s recent massive IPO were among the top concerns cited by insiders who have made the case that patience is a virtue. — John Kell, Fortune, 1 July 2026 His confirmation closes one of the most turbulent presidential searches in UF history. — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Connaughton’s knowledge of economics was sought after by national, state and local media outlets, especially during turbulent times such as the global pandemic. — Chase Jordan july 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 Convection involves turbulent eddies of warm air rising from the ground into the atmosphere above, and latent heat involves the absorption or release of energy from a phase change without the temperature changing. — Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
  1. violent
  2. rough
  3. bleak
  4. tumultuous
  5. ferocious
  6. wild
  7. rainy
  8. sporadic
Adjective
  • When a violent robbery occurred at a Waterford bank in January 2025, local police faced the difficult task of identifying and locating the suspects.
    — State Rep. Greg Howard, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2026
  • The protest turned violent, with some hurling Molotov cocktails into the bank.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Definition of violent
Adjective
  • The Rangers had a rough stretch during the seventh when Eovaldi got pulled after allowing one run.
    — Cal Phillips Updated July 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
  • His process remained rough around the edges, but Thursday was a great step in the right direction.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 July 2026
Definition of rough
Adjective
  • Outside of Duran’s efforts, though, the Rangers’ offense was bleak.
    — Cal Phillips Updated July 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2026
  • Indeed, Brocka insists on escapist fantasies in a world that otherwise offers no escape, which, in my view, is more hopeful than bleak — and, in turn, allows this kind of gritty sensuality to persist in his ever-enduring, luminous cinema.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • Throughout the tumultuous circumstances brought on by COVID-19, Kansas City managed to find a way to open new attractions and to keep its small businesses afloat.
    — Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
  • Arrest adds to a tumultuous arc that includes a 2020 hotel overdose incident, treatment for addiction and depression, a federal fraud case that ended in a hung jury, and an award-winning political podcast.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of tumultuous
Adjective
  • On top of these costs, increasingly ferocious climate disasters cost taxpayers billions of dollars.
    — Liat Olenick, New York Daily News, 13 July 2026
  • Now, researchers are concerned that more ecosystems will be disrupted as the apex predators with a ferocious appetite feast on a buffet of raccoons, opossums, bobcats, alligators and birds -- including prey bigger than themselves.
    — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of ferocious
Adjective
  • This setup, wherein a group of arbiters hide behind a curtain like the Wizard of Oz and hand down decisions that inflict generational trauma on entire countries, almost feels purposefully built to invite all sorts of wild speculation.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
  • Great throng to roar out wild welcome as triumphant idol of golfdom returns … Bobby Jones is coming home today.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of wild
Adjective
  • Best Time to Visit Bellevue’s location in the heart of the Pacific Northwest means that its weather is generally temperate, with mild, rainy springs and warm, sunny summers.
    — Sara Harowitz, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
  • Similar to how double-coated animals like wolves and bobcats shed water with their fur, the fringe, when attached to shoes, pants, and tunics, could help keep wearers dry during rainy treks.
    — Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026
Definition of rainy
Adjective
  • Consultants test every element of how to get people — often people who pay only sporadic attention to politics — to open a message and then open their wallets.
    — Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • The only other competitors were the Anglo-French Concorde and the sporadic Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 program.
    — David Szondy July 02, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Definition of sporadic

Browse Nearby Words

turbulence
turbulent
turbulently
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Cite this Entry

“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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