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

But beyond the glory lies a turbulent story of fame, influence, and controversy that nearly destroyed him. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026

La Opinión was also a voice during turbulent times for Latinos, including immigration crackdowns and political issues such as Proposition 187, which would have denied many benefits to people living the country illegally. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

The two lawsuits come after a turbulent week for Hoskins, a Republican who became a key player in a dizzying series of legal battles and court decisions over the state’s congressional map. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

His re-election came on the back of a turbulent few years, ones where Barca’s finances were as much a story as their football. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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