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
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Recent Examples of turbulent
These lines of philosophical questioning come from a deeply personal place for Higuchi, who went through a turbulent time during adolescence.
—
Sara Merican, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Markets have been turbulent ever since as trade policy uncertainty leaves investors uneasy.
—Chris Dilella, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
But the turbulent nature of his career since exploding onto the scene almost 15 years ago makes his victory at Augusta even sweeter, says Heaven.
—Ben Morse and Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025
Overanalyzing every win and loss will make your journey feel more turbulent than necessary.
—Nelson Chu, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Sara Merican, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Markets have been turbulent ever since as trade policy uncertainty leaves investors uneasy.
—Chris Dilella, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
But the turbulent nature of his career since exploding onto the scene almost 15 years ago makes his victory at Augusta even sweeter, says Heaven.
—Ben Morse and Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025
Overanalyzing every win and loss will make your journey feel more turbulent than necessary.
—Nelson Chu, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
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Children are being exposed to an unprecedented amount of online pornography, much of which is violent and misogynistic.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
2 May 2025
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However, the Salvadoran national was living in the U.S. illegally and is suspected of being a member of the notoriously violent gang MS-13.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Oz has had 30 (homers) and 100 (RBIs) before and can have some rough patches and still has a way of coming out of it.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman had a rough outing against the New York Yankees on Sunday in the first game of a doubleheader.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The observations from Drewry’s and Moody’s, as well as the scenario floated by McCown, follow a bleak outlook for the middle of May out of the biggest port in the U.S.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
25 Apr. 2025
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That followed a desperate period in which a bleak financial picture forced the resignation of CEO Anders Jensen.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Even as their value may fluctuate during tumultuous markets or when interest rates change, bondholders can count on receiving their interest income twice a year and their par value at maturity.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
1 May 2025
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The Smashing Machine trailer spotlights Kerr’s dominance in the UFC ring, his addiction to painkillers, his tumultuous relationship with girlfriend Dawn Staples (Blunt), and the toll that decades of fights took on his body.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But this team was special, with a watertight defence combined with a ferocious forward line of Ronaldo (his best goalscoring season for United), Rooney and Tevez.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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This ferocious, steep-banked corner possesses a wild 24% gradient, a nod to Spain’s bullfighting heritage.—
Kanzah Maktoum,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This ferocious, steep-banked corner possesses a wild 24% gradient, a nod to Spain’s bullfighting heritage.—
Kanzah Maktoum,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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Niemann, a grandmaster, beat Carlsen in an upset in a 2022 match, leading Carlsen to withdraw from the tournament and setting off wild speculation about whether Niemann could have cheated, though no such allegations were ever proven.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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After spending more than five years living in Seattle (aka one of the rainiest cities in the U.S.), my collection of rain-appropriate outerwear is robust, to say the least.—
Anna Popp,
Travel + Leisure,
2 May 2025
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Not only do these five options live up to our (very) high standards, but they have been tested over time, throughout all seasons and weather, and in different parts of the country (including rainy Seattle, WA).—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Melania Trump has courted controversy, garnered attention for her fashion Trump's fashion choices are the subject of fierce controversy and constant attention.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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Seven new projects debut on the 15-spot roster, making competition surprisingly fierce.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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