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Definition of turbulent
1a : exhibiting physical turbulence turbulent airb : characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous a turbulent marriage
2 : causing unrest, violence, or disturbance a set of mischievous, turbulent rebels — Anne Brönte
turbulently
adverbExplore M-W
Examples of turbulent in a Sentence
Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize.
The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.
Recent Examples of turbulent from the Web
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Saudi King Salman promoted his son, Mohammed bin Salman, to crown prince, upending the line of succession for Saudi Arabia and putting a 31-year-old a heartbeat away from the throne during a turbulent period of war and change in the Middle East.
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The newest of several x-ray telescope in space, the HXMT will observe some of the most turbulent processes in the universe.
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Western tech companies have had a turbulent relationship with China—particularly over issues concerning the protection of intellectual property.
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His frequent solos began with delicate, spidery lines that grew into turbulent squalls of notes but never quite became searing.
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The Man’s stellar catalog, the new songs imply that dancing defiantly is a liberating response to turbulent times.
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Rowe was demoted after a turbulent 2016-17 season that saw the Panthers miss the playoffs and finish sixth in the Atlantic Division with 81 points.
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Cher and Allman met in 1975 and had a turbulent relationship; they were married in Las Vegas three days after Cher's divorce from Sonny Bono was finalized.
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This year politics is center stage, falling amid turbulent geopolitics, and just days ahead of Britain’s June 8 general election.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turbulent'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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.
Origin and Etymology of turbulent
Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid
TURBULENT Defined for English Language Learners
turbulent
playDefinition of turbulent for English Language Learners
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: moving in an irregular or violent way
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: full of confusion, violence, or disorder : not stable or steady
TURBULENT Defined for Kids
turbulent
playDefinition of turbulent for Students
: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance turbulent protests turbulent weather
Word Root of turbulent
The Latin word turba, meaning “disorder,” gives us the root turb. Words from the Latin turba have something to do with disorder. To disturb is to cause disorder to something or to someone's feelings. To perturb, or trouble, is to cause disorder to someone's mind. Anything turbulent is in a state of violence or disorder.
Learn More about turbulent
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for turbulent Spanish Central: Translation of turbulent Nglish: Translation of turbulent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of turbulent for Arabic speakers
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