tumultuous

adjective

tu̇-ˈməl-chə-wəs How to pronounce tumultuous (audio)
Definition of tumultuousnext
1
as in turbulent
marked by sudden or violent disturbance one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of the region

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2
as in rough
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements watched the tumultuous weather from the dry safety of our house

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3
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity after a tumultuous day of trading, the stock market was down 500 points

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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 tumultuous The calendar decision is one of the first milestones in what’s expected to be a tumultuous two-year sprint to the Democratic nomination. — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 In the decade since their divorce, Jolie and Pitt have been embroiled in a series of legal battles that have pulled back the curtain on their allegedly tumultuous family life. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 22 July 2026 West End Girl, the newest album, which unavoidably broke the internet, centered on the end of a tumultuous relationship following her 2025 split from ex-husband David Harbour. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are known for their tumultuous public relationship. — Moises Mendez Ii, InStyle, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tumultuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tumultuous
  1. turbulent
  2. rough
  3. violent
  4. ferocious
  5. fierce
  6. furious
Adjective
  • Eric McAlister’s leadership for Alamo Bowl McAlister worked hard to distance himself from that turbulent year and emerged as one of TCU’s most important leaders last season.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026
  • People reach for these tools when markets turn turbulent, which is when automated discipline helps most and a panicked move costs most.
    — Pawan Jain, The Conversation, 29 July 2026
Definition of turbulent
Adjective
  • Even a rough one shortens the negotiation and produces a fairer number for both sides.
    — Chris Ryan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • The men were diving a reef off Duck Key, in the Middle Keys, when they became separated from their boat amid rough waters, FWC spokeswoman Arielle Callender said.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of rough
Adjective
  • Michael was arrested two days later, per Denver TV station KUSA, and charged with first-degree murder, use of a weapon in a violent crime, theft of $100 to $500, and abuse of a corpse.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Crime reached a breaking point that summer after a drive-by shooting killed a man at Progress Park, topping off a string of violent incidents in the neighborhood just northeast of uptown Charlotte.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of violent
Adjective
  • Emergency crews are still scrambling to contain ferocious blazes in Spain and France, where authorities have warned wildfires could burn for several months before they are fully extinguished.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • One is among the most ferocious forces in the sport, a bona fide ace who is must-see TV.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of ferocious
Adjective
  • Management tried to modernize a restaurant brand built around nostalgia, underestimated how strongly customers identified with its image, and eventually reversed the change after a fierce backlash.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The jostling grew particularly fierce between South Carolina and Nevada.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • That episode inspires a Gospel story where Jesus is asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat during a furious storm.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The nine innings the Giants played that followed the furious flurry of medical updates didn’t do much to lift the vibes.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 29 July 2026
Definition of furious

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Cite this Entry

“Tumultuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tumultuous. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tumultuous

Nglish: Translation of tumultuous for Spanish Speakers

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