turbulence

noun

Definition of turbulencenext
as in upheaval
a state of violence, confusion, and disorder There was much turbulence in their town after a string of tragedies.

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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 turbulence Political consultant Mike Trujillo, who is supporting Bass, said the kinds of turbulence Bass has faced this year is par for the course for a big-city mayor. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Footage from the trip captured lightning flashing around the aircraft as turbulence shook the cabin. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 But for those alarmed by the turbulence of midlife, the writer Valeria Luiselli’s novels offer a refreshingly different perspective. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 But with the city now negotiating a new airport lease agreement with the airlines, the current political temperature has brought, to many stakeholders, a bit of turbulence. — Dj Simmons july 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turbulence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulence
  1. upheaval
  2. commotion
  3. excitement
  4. disturbance
  5. strife
  6. trouble
  7. confusion
  8. turmoil
Noun
  • Evans’ historic eight terms as the first Black chief judge saw the county through reforms, changes and upheavals, including the elimination of cash bail and the COVID-19 pandemic.
    — Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
  • But after 48 hours of upheaval this week, the times — and in particular the calendar — are changing.
    — Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of upheaval
Noun
  • Sleep was beginning to finally visit the insomniacs and drunkards of T—in central Manila when a commotion louder than the usual domestic squabbles erupted from the room above Mang Calixto’s bakery.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
  • And, true to form, Clowney arrives with commotion and fanfare for great things ahead.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • Despite her excitement, Reynolds admits joining such a beloved series came with plenty of pressure.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
  • DaCosta said that Moore greeted students with excitement every day as parents dropped them off.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of excitement
Noun
  • Not getting enough sleep, not being able to get to sleep and waking up during the night are all signs of sleep disturbances.
    — Doreen Samelson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • What begins as relatively weak shear disturbances can quickly evolve into major waves and vortices.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • The rare interview comes a few months after reports of marital strife between Edo and Beatrice, 37, who tied the knot in 2020.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The prospect of labor strife looms over the rest of this Padres/MLB season, what with the labor pact due to expire in December and both sides already drawing bright red lines in public statements.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of strife
Noun
  • The little device that could cause big trouble Federal investigators are looking into mini computer devices commonly used by water utilities and other organizations.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Shipyard capacity troubles Money isn’t the only variable in the battleship plan.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of trouble
Noun
  • Clear terms keep care from turning into confusion later on today.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The confusion comes from treating two different problems as one.
    — Dr. Aditya Vikram Kashyap, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • With even the trial date itself in dispute and Gulf sovereign funds backing much of the equity amid regional turmoil, the Ellisons may have won the bidding war only to inherit a much costlier fight.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The waltz seemed to leave his heart in turmoil without lifting his spirits.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of turmoil

Browse Nearby Words

turboprops
turbulence
turbulent
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Cite this Entry

“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulence. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on turbulence

Nglish: Translation of turbulence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about turbulence

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