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
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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
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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
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4
as in bleak
marked by wet and windy conditions
stay indoors this weekend as the weather promises to be tempestuous
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tempestuous
My life and times with his more than 10-year regime were, at times, tempestuous, mostly because of my ignorance and adamance in the need to grow by acquisition.
—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
25 May 2026
But the images fueled further criticism from the club’s tempestuous fanbase.
—
Aidan McLaughlin,
Vanity Fair,
12 May 2026
The epitome of an enfant terrible, Rimbaud was a rebellious adolescent with a tempestuous personal life (ask fellow poet Paul Verlaine).
—
René Ostberg,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
7 May 2026
In June of 2008, an Inland Empire woman named Melissa began a tempestuous relationship with a woman named Irene, according to state appellate court records.
—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tempestuous
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
25 May 2026
But the images fueled further criticism from the club’s tempestuous fanbase.
—
Aidan McLaughlin,
Vanity Fair,
12 May 2026
The epitome of an enfant terrible, Rimbaud was a rebellious adolescent with a tempestuous personal life (ask fellow poet Paul Verlaine).
—
René Ostberg,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
7 May 2026
In June of 2008, an Inland Empire woman named Melissa began a tempestuous relationship with a woman named Irene, according to state appellate court records.
—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tempestuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempestuous
Adjective
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The march stems from the violent 1969 police raid of the Stonewall Inn that catalyzed the gay rights movement at a time when many people who were LGBTQIA+ hid their identity.
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Over the years, Hall has responded to emergencies ranging from domestic violence calls to serious violent crimes.
Adjective
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Directed by Guadagnino from a screenplay by Saturday Night Live alum Simon Rich, Artificial explores Sam Altman’s OpenAI and the company’s turbulent period in 2023 when he was fired and rehired in a matter of days.
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The trauma of a turbulent household had aged her beyond her years.
Adjective
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After a couple of rough shooting nights against Minnesota and Las Vegas, the Valkyries found their groove.
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Salicylic acid works deep within pores to tackle buildup, while lactic acid smooths rough texture and refines skin’s surface, leaving skin looking clearer and feeling smoother in just a few swipes.
Adjective
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Speaking of, Ross asked Janssen about the steamy bathhouse scene during which Xenia and Bond face off in an encounter that is both flirty and ferocious.
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In 2018, a blaze east of Athens moved with ferocious speed, killing more than 100 people.
Adjective
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The 2023 arrest of her then-10-year-old cousin for urinating in public brought fierce condemnation.
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For a party that prides itself on diversity, the clashes have exacerbated fierce debates over identity politics and long-standing rifts between progressives and moderates.
Adjective
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There was a furious campaign in India, led by the public, the media, and politicians, demanding revenge.
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There are no rookies likely to get that kind of prominence on this year’s Oilers team, but there are young players who will get noticed due to furious forechecking.
Adjective
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Schrodinger basin, a large impact crater near the moon’s south pole, shows evidence of geologically recent volcanic activity.
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Alpha Estate Greek wine travel is often associated with the sea, whether through the volcanic cliffs of the islands or tavernas along the coast.
Cite this Entry
“Tempestuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempestuous. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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