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

Palace’s squad always had a spine which included strong personalities or those who knew the club and had experience to guide them through turbulent times and new starts. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

The very dullness of it lends the alliances a ballast in the face of a turbulent political cycle. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Leaders throughout history, such as Julius Caesar and Abraham Lincoln, have taught us plenty of lessons about leadership during turbulent times, including wars, economic downturns, technological disruptions, political instability and social changes. — Don Weber, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson shared a turbulent, yearslong relationship that repeatedly made headlines. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 18 Aug. 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