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
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.
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
Sheckler and Kells have used the parallels in their turbulent journeys in the spotlight to lean on one another, making their bond stronger over the years.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
By unifying intelligence, manufacturers can run simulations, identify vulnerabilities, and respond proactively—protecting digital and sustainability gains even in turbulent periods.
—Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
The two were married in 2012, and in the 13 years that followed, Krein was spotted from time to time with the powerful political family as his father-in-law navigated a presidential campaign and turbulent term in the White House.
—Kyler Alvord, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
The series’ turbulent journey to stay on the air reflects, in some ways, how precarious and expansive the children’s-TV landscape has become.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
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Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
By unifying intelligence, manufacturers can run simulations, identify vulnerabilities, and respond proactively—protecting digital and sustainability gains even in turbulent periods.
—Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
The two were married in 2012, and in the 13 years that followed, Krein was spotted from time to time with the powerful political family as his father-in-law navigated a presidential campaign and turbulent term in the White House.
—Kyler Alvord, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
The series’ turbulent journey to stay on the air reflects, in some ways, how precarious and expansive the children’s-TV landscape has become.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulent. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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