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 The filing follows a turbulent year for the department store. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026 Kansas has emerged as an unlikely battleground in a turbulent midterm election year for Republicans, who are striving to hold onto slim majorities in both chambers of Congress. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026 The production decision also follows a turbulent development history. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2026 If the past eight years of Brazilian politics are any guide, Lula’s next administration is likely to be a turbulent one in which enduring divisions at home and abroad are continually tested. — Anthony W. Pereira, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 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
  • The protests quickly turned violent as demonstrators lobbed Molotov cocktails at the Education Ministry and clashed with police.
    — Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The Lilliputians are as small-minded as their size and conduct querulous, violent debates about which end of an egg to crack (so obviously similar to the theological complexities of Swift’s own day).
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of violent
Adjective
  • An Australian man survived more than two months lost at sea in 2023 with his dog Bella after rough seas damaged their boat and its electronics system.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • However, neither rating guarantees that a folding screen or hinge will survive years of rough treatment.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of rough
Adjective
  • Under Sorrells, morale at the office is bleak and has resulted in an exodus, according to two veteran prosecutors who left the office and spoke on the condition they not be identified.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Yet missing from this bleak picture are the ways that Ukraine has already adapted to escalating attacks.
    — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • The tumultuous takeover at the start of the pandemic was just the beginning of Chapek’s CEO woes.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Sneed’s safe adult during his tumultuous childhood was his fifth-grade teacher.
    — PJ Green October 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of tumultuous
Adjective
  • The rising, warming sea and ferocious winter storms have battered the road.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • One of the most celebrated objects from the India Museum is a mechanical wooden sculpture of a ferocious tiger gnawing at a British soldier’s throat.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of ferocious
Adjective
  • Unpacking Meta's wild week Meta delivered a strong third quarter Wednesday evening, but worries about negative free cash flow and its AI spending needs upstaged strong guidance and a promising roadmap for its viral Muse AI agent.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The film is a wild, frequently grotesque spectacle that careens between horror, action, slapstick, and black comedy.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of wild
Adjective
  • The pair departs campus for Chaffee County during rainy weather.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Audiences see that as early as the opening sequence, which features the titular character arriving at a familiar house on a rainy afternoon.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of rainy
Adjective
  • Even after two MVPs, Jackson takes heat for his sporadic attendance at voluntary offseason practices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Younger generations’ exposure to social media content promoting GLP-1 microdosing or intermittent or sporadic use of the medications may influence these behaviors, too, Albaugh adds.
    — Anna L. Goldman, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of sporadic

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Cite this Entry

“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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