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
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Recent Examples of turbulent
As the weak signals from the global positioning satellites pass through this suddenly turbulent region, they get thrown off course.
—
Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 22 June 2025
Rather than focus on the making of Jaws, a topic that had been covered so extensively over the years, the former angled for a thematic exploration of the classic picture, viewing its turbulent production as a reflection of the plot itself.
—Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
San Diego’s most turbulent budget season in at least a decade took another turn Tuesday when Mayor Todd Gloria vetoed some last-minute cuts and expenditures the City Council added to the budget a week ago.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
Analyst Ebrahim Poonawala said Goldman has a storied history of navigating turbulent periods.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 22 June 2025
Rather than focus on the making of Jaws, a topic that had been covered so extensively over the years, the former angled for a thematic exploration of the classic picture, viewing its turbulent production as a reflection of the plot itself.
—Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
San Diego’s most turbulent budget season in at least a decade took another turn Tuesday when Mayor Todd Gloria vetoed some last-minute cuts and expenditures the City Council added to the budget a week ago.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
Analyst Ebrahim Poonawala said Goldman has a storied history of navigating turbulent periods.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
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On June 25, Monroe officers used a drone to track down a violent offender who had fled into a wooded area, police said.—
Maia Nehme,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
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Before long, his life is plagued by a series of mysterious, sinister incidents that threaten to upend his success and bring about a most violent demise.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Ransom Canyon star Josh Duhamel didn’t have a rough time getting to know the set of his new film Off the Grid because the actor lives off the grid in real-life.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Avoid scrubbing the microwave’s interior with rough materials like steel wool or abrasive sponges.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Some traders said the numbers were less severe than analysts' bleak forecasts.—
Sabrina Valle,
USA Today,
3 July 2025
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No one is as funny and as bleak in the same sentence, or maybe even the same word.—
Literary Hub
July 1,
Literary Hub,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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After untangling from a tumultuous relationship inside the major label system, the R&B singer couldn’t be more thrilled in her partnership with EMPIRE, as Claudio joined the indie powerhouse earlier in 2025.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
1 July 2025
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The tally, 51-49, came after a tumultuous session with Vice President JD Vance on hand if needed to break the tie.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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The Manchester City striker is one of the global game’s most ferocious and intelligent goalscorers.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Now, she’s added another competitive event to her list of favorites: F1, or Formula 1, largely considered the world's most ferocious and high-tech form of auto racing.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Alana even obliged to share the story of her wildest worst date — a saga that manages to incorporate those key themes of maintaining a strong sense of humor, and knowing when to cut and run.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
26 June 2025
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The final product is an unpredictable, wild ride full of suspense, fun, and classic horror gore.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Between 2021 and 2024, Dr Chávez and collaborators conducted several surveys during both the rainy season (2021, 2023) and dry season (2023, 2024).—
GrrlScientist,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Mushrooms are common during the rainy season; remove them if children or pets are present. 63.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Winds, too, were fierce, gusting up to 70 mph at the lakefront, according to the National Weather Service.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
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With so many players in the game, the competition is simultaneously fierce and toothless.—
Todd Fisher,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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