1
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity
order was restored to the court after the judge put a stop to the defendant's tempestuous outburst
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in turbulent
marked by sudden or violent disturbance
in terms of social change, the 1960s are generally considered the most tempestuous decade in recent American history
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in rough
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements
we spent a tempestuous night stranded on the summit of the mountain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in bleak
marked by wet and windy conditions
stay indoors this weekend as the weather promises to be tempestuous
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 tempestuous
The mayor, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), tries to be patient with this officer of the law, but the two men have a tempestuous history.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025
It’s been a tempestuous ride for Elon Musk’s mammoth Starship, after three flight launch attempts devolved in fiery glory and air-traffic stopping debris this year to date.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 19 June 2025
Jake has a hot temper like a tempestuous Aries and will do anything to get his mother's love and respect, often competing with his two brothers for her attention.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025
But the relationship was tempestuous from the start.
—Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempestuous
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025
It’s been a tempestuous ride for Elon Musk’s mammoth Starship, after three flight launch attempts devolved in fiery glory and air-traffic stopping debris this year to date.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 19 June 2025
Jake has a hot temper like a tempestuous Aries and will do anything to get his mother's love and respect, often competing with his two brothers for her attention.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025
But the relationship was tempestuous from the start.
—Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempestuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempestuous
Adjective
-
The two got married, had a baby, and started a quiet life together far away from his violent past.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
-
As droves of tourists continue to flock to Spain for European summer vacations, the nation’s emergency responders are dealing with the aftermath of a violent wave of flash flooding in nearly half of the country’s 50 provinces.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Flying across the country alone with my infant was far less turbulent with the right preparation.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
1 Aug. 2025
-
For Michelle, 28, knowing her long-term relationship was over—one that had started with a DM, spanned four years, and was turbulent in the way that made letting go feel impossible—came down to seeing him with someone else…in a video watched by over a million people.—
Morgan Sullivan,
Vogue,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
The company had a rough second quarter, with automotive revenue falling 16% compared to a year ago — the second straight quarter of lower sales.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Opening originally in the 1990s as Mean Streak, the old rough wooden coaster was given new life in 2018 with its transformation into arguably the greatest roller coaster of all time.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
To watch her is to be enthralled by her — the ferocious eyes, hair like fire, a near-permanent smirk.—
Rance Collins,
IndieWire,
4 Aug. 2025
-
The devotion, at times, has turned almost ferocious; Pop Mart decided to suspend in-person sales of Labubu in the United Kingdom after reports of chaos at stores.—
Valerie Trapp,
The Atlantic,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In the barrios of the American Southwest, chola girls perfected their look with dark lip liner, oversized flannels, and nameplate earrings, styling themselves with fierce precision that both declared loyalty and warded off erasure.—
Alexandra Jane,
Essence,
31 July 2025
-
In the last few years, fierce controversies have often been sparked by commercials, with commentators seemingly viewing ad campaigns as the battleground for a never-ending culture war.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
This ends up looking like a furious around-the-horn toss, with all three outfielders sprinting in to complete the drill.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
-
The House abruptly began its summer recess Wednesday evening, a day earlier than scheduled, as GOP leaders balked at efforts from Republicans and Democrats to press the Justice Department to make public government documents regarding Epstein. Democrats were furious.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
The island chain was (and is still being) formed by a volcanic hot spot that has so far created 15 different volcanoes that stretch 3,800 miles across the Pacific.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
14 July 2025
-
Schrodinger basin, a large impact crater near the moon’s south pole, shows evidence of geologically recent volcanic activity.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
Next up in the renewables sector is the continuation of a rabid race to break ground on clean-energy projects to beat the tax credit deadlines.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
3 July 2025
-
Unvaccinated pets represent the greatest risk of rabies exposure to humans and are frequently the link between rabid wildlife and people.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tempestuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempestuous. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share