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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of turbulent
These new rulers were keen to sell themselves as legitimate successors to the emperors, and there was considerable continuity during this turbulent period.
—
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
This ends an often productive, but also often turbulent tenure for Nichushkin with the Avalanche.
—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
25 June 2026
Our destination, Lake Mesgouez, is part of the Rupert River system in northern Quebec, located about a third of the way to James Bay from the source of that turbulent river at Lake Mistassini.
—
Marc Terziev,
Outdoor Life,
25 June 2026
With Starmer’s announcement, the outgoing prime minister brought a fittingly turbulent end to a chaotic decade, one that began with a similar strain of political upheaval.
—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
This ends an often productive, but also often turbulent tenure for Nichushkin with the Avalanche.
—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
25 June 2026
Our destination, Lake Mesgouez, is part of the Rupert River system in northern Quebec, located about a third of the way to James Bay from the source of that turbulent river at Lake Mistassini.
—
Marc Terziev,
Outdoor Life,
25 June 2026
With Starmer’s announcement, the outgoing prime minister brought a fittingly turbulent end to a chaotic decade, one that began with a similar strain of political upheaval.
—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
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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.
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Over the years, Hall has responded to emergencies ranging from domestic violence calls to serious violent crimes.
Adjective
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After a couple of rough shooting nights against Minnesota and Las Vegas, the Valkyries found their groove.
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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.
Adjective
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The goofy sketch comedies and homemade spoofs that once filled his channel gradually disappeared, replaced by melancholy short films and bleak monologues.
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Cher’s court documents paint a bleak picture of how Allman, 49, allegedly blows through his $120,000 annual trust distributions.
Adjective
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At a tumultuous teen party halfway through the film, Sonya brushes off Coley completely, buoying drunkenly into the arms of whoever will take her.
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The scene on the runway encapsulated the tumultuous diplomatic process, led by Pakistan and Qatar, that led to last week’s deal to end a war that destabilized the Middle East and damaged the world economy.
Adjective
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Speaking of, Ross asked Janssen about the steamy bathhouse scene during which Xenia and Bond face off in an encounter that is both flirty and ferocious.
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In 2018, a blaze east of Athens moved with ferocious speed, killing more than 100 people.
Adjective
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The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department advised anyone bitten or scratched by a bat or other wild animal to promptly clean the wound with soap and water, then contact a physician or go to the emergency room.
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And, speaking of wild, each team had a Max Muncy playing third base and batting seventh.
Adjective
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Most riders understand why the trip costs more on a rainy Friday afternoon than on a quiet Sunday morning; adjusting prices for weather, traffic, or supply is a transparent way to balance a market.
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The rainy season in South Florida attracts more amphibious jumpers to home yards — and every pet owner should fear one kind.
Adjective
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Utility Iren was doubling workers' shifts and adding generators to address sporadic power cuts in Turin as the electricity grid came under strain, a spokesperson said.
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While attractive due to its proximity to strong local and regional gas markets, exploration for this gas has been sporadic in the basin since the mid-1980s, with experts noting pilot projects were uneconomic, temporarily abandoned or failed.
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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