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
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
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But Over-the-Rhine and Downtown have seen an uptick in violent crime.—
Brenda Ordonez,
The Enquirer,
21 Aug. 2025
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Coleman said about 175 people convicted of violent crimes that took place before the law's effective date who had not yet been sentenced could have been eligible for early release.—
Lucas Aulbach,
The Courier-Journal,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Sheckler and Kells have used the parallels in their turbulent journeys in the spotlight to lean on one another, making their bond stronger over the years.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
14 Aug. 2025
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By unifying intelligence, manufacturers can run simulations, identify vulnerabilities, and respond proactively—protecting digital and sustainability gains even in turbulent periods.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Battlefield 6 hype is losing a bit of steam with changes to its second beta run, involving new additions, controversial decisions and rough retreads of old modes.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Stepping into the role played by Damon in the film, British actor Milo Callaghan is Rudy Baylor, who has overcome a rough childhood and family tragedy to graduate at the top of his law school class.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Typical confusion and disruption for a ferocious Vikings unit led by blitz enthusiast and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, but a shock to the Patriots’ offensive system.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
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Aquaman star Jason Momoa learned that lesson the hard way while attempting a miles-long paddle through ferocious Hawaiian waters and nearly not coming back up.—
Ryan Coleman Published,
EW.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The incident comes amid fierce controversy around pro-Palestinian activism and free speech in the UK, with musicians often at the forefront.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
23 Aug. 2025
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Data from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) shows Democrats ahead of Republicans in overall fundraising, with more success among House Democrats than senators, as the parties gear up for a fierce 2026 midterm election.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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During the weekend retreat at Camp David, in 1971, when Nixon’s team arrived at the decision to untether the dollar from gold, Treasury Secretary John Connally dismissed concerns that allies would be furious.—
Wally Adeyemo,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Aug. 2025
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During the 2013 trial, prosecutors said Arias was furious after Alexander ended their relationship and began seeing someone new, rejecting her attempts to rekindle their romance.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The 37-acre search field near Murfreesboro sits atop an ancient volcanic pipe that erupted roughly 100 million years ago.—
Benj Edwards,
ArsTechnica,
19 Aug. 2025
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Accurate predictions of eruptions at the Seamount could help volcanologists forecast future volcanic eruptions on land -- some that could potentially pose a danger to humans, the researchers said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But don’t count Odenkirk, who was about the age of most of Dahl’s rabid young fans at the time.—
William Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Aug. 2025
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The modes feature enough depth to sate the most rabid football fan.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tempestuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempestuous. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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