turbulent

adjective

ˈtər-byə-lənt How to pronounce turbulent (audio)
Definition of turbulentnext
1
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity the turbulent struggle for civil rights that shook up American society in the 1960s

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2
as in rough
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements the turbulent rapids of the river were certainly daunting to those of us who were new to river rafting

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3
as in bleak
marked by wet and windy conditions expect turbulent weather as the cold front brings rain and sleet

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4
as in tumultuous
marked by sudden or violent disturbance these are turbulent, dangerous times in a region known for being a powder keg

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of turbulent In fact, one of the stranger artifacts to emerge from the turbulent streaming era wasn’t designed for consumers at all. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 July 2026 In a scene where the suffragists burn an effigy of President Wilson, Natalio amplifies the turbulent tone with intense movement from the ensemble. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 Kansas City’s team, which won a regular-season championship in 2024, is coming off a turbulent season. — Latif Love july 9, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 Mothers across America are navigating one of the most turbulent economic climates in recent memory, marked by rising costs and a volatile legislative environment. — Raquel Mitchell, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
  1. violent
  2. rough
  3. bleak
  4. tumultuous
  5. ferocious
  6. wild
  7. rainy
  8. sporadic
Adjective
  • Bullish risk reversal In an attempt to capitalize on the historically expensive downside SPCX options and position for a violent snap-back, this risk reversal seeks to finance upside exposure by fading the put skew.
    — Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • As the administration forges ahead with its immigration enforcement campaign, former ICE officials and policing experts warned that resuming vehicle stops without a thorough review of training or tactics could lead to more violent encounters.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Definition of violent
Adjective
  • Today's launch aims to smooth over a few rough patches that the vehicle ran into during V3's debut on the mostly successful Flight 12, which occurred on May 22.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 16 July 2026
  • That comes after a rough day of trading as shares fell below their IPO price.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Definition of rough
Adjective
  • Political instability is the new normal, and the national mood is bleak.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • And into this bleak landscape marches the blue-haired angel, Gabriel.
    — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • The hearing arrived at a tumultuous time for the Justice Department, with mass firings and resignations hollowing out the workforce and Democrats and other critics raising alarms that Blanche is still functioning as the president’s personal lawyer.
    — Eric Tucker, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • The trial laid out the details of Colt’s tumultuous childhood, mental health problems and infatuation with school shooters.
    — Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of tumultuous
Adjective
  • Calm on the ball, Rodri is a ferocious monster off it, hoovering up second balls with his sharp anticipation and brushing opponents aside in duels with his imposing physicality.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Adult ladybugs are most known for eating aphids, but the various species are ferocious hunters of varied prey.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
Definition of ferocious
Adjective
  • Despite a middling 50-51 record, the Padres are within two games of the National League’s final wild-card spot after beating the Atlanta Braves 8-3 on Tuesday.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The entire region is being transformed from beautiful, wild, healthy, relatively intact and super biodiverse habitat to an energy sector sacrifice zone.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026
Definition of wild
Adjective
  • Hikers and rainy destination-goers will also appreciate the discount on The North Face's Antora rain jacket.
    — Kayla Becker, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2026
  • The regional forecast for the northern Horn of Africa, where for the most part there is only one rainy season per year, is also projected to be below average.
    — Peter Hailey, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Definition of rainy
Adjective
  • States routinely review the accuracy of their voter rolls and sporadic cases of noncitizen voting are investigated and prosecuted.
    — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • His impact last season was more sporadic than steady, however, which is not uncommon for a first-year starter learning on the fly.
    — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of sporadic

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Cite this Entry

“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on turbulent

Nglish: Translation of turbulent for Spanish Speakers

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