turbulent

adjective

tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt 

1

a

: exhibiting physical turbulence

turbulent air

b

: characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous

a turbulent marriage

2

: causing unrest, violence, or disturbance

a set of mischievous, turbulent rebels

—Anne Brönte

turbulently adverb

Did you know?

Some people lead turbulent lives, and some are constantly in the grip of turbulent emotions. The late 1960s are remembered as turbulent years of social revolution in America and Europe. Often the captain of an airplane will warn passengers to fasten their seatbelts because of upper-air turbulence, which can make for a bumpy ride. El Niño, a seasonal current of warm water in the Pacific Ocean, may create turbulence in the winds across the United States, affecting patterns of rainfall and temperature as well.

Synonyms

• bang-bang
• blood-and-guts
• convulsive
• cyclonic
• explosive
• ferocious
• fierce
• furious
• hammer-and-tongs
• hot
• knock-down, drag-out
• knock-down-and-drag-out
• paroxysmal
• rabid
• rough
• stormy
• tempestuous
• tumultuous
• violent
• volcanic

Examples of turbulent in a Sentence

Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize.

The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.

Recent Examples on the Web

Overanalyzing every win and loss will make your journey feel more turbulent than necessary. —Nelson Chu, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Interesting, turbulent life (including 22 years in prison). —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025

The Blue Jackets’ goaltending — between starter Elvis Merzlikins and backup Daniil Tarasov — has been a weak spot on the roster all season, and it’s been especially turbulent and underwhelming in recent weeks as the Jackets have faded in the Eastern Conference playoff race. —Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025

Fowler imagines Zelda’s passionate, turbulent life with Scott and portrays the glamor and decline of the Jazz Age through her eyes. —Danielle Teller, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing turbulent

• turbulent flow

Kids Definition

turbulent

adjective

tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt 

: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance

a turbulent relationship

turbulently adverb