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 Brontë

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 of turbulent

• violent
• ferocious
• fierce
• furious
• rough
• 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

This move comes after a turbulent year for Voth, who bounced between multiple MLB organizations, including a forgettable stint with the Blue Jays. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Its heyday ran from its opening through the turbulent 1970s, a decade in which Cambodia's own cultural life was surging even as conflict closed in around it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2026

As such, transatlantic counterterrorism cooperation could be in for turbulent times. — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 22 July 2026

Chappell likens it to a room shouting at you—too many patterns can look turbulent rather than playful, bold, and curated. — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026

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