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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Recent Examples of turbulence
Social Security has faced a financial shortfall before, when in the early 1980s its trust funds were on the brink of insolvency due to economic turbulence over the previous decade.
—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
Kennedy drew a comparison to passengers experiencing turbulence on a plane.
—
Sarah Jackson,
CNBC,
21 June 2026
The central image was an airliner, something that, like life itself, experiences highs, lows and turbulence.
—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
21 June 2026
European airlines hit some turbulence.
—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
Kennedy drew a comparison to passengers experiencing turbulence on a plane.
—
Sarah Jackson,
CNBC,
21 June 2026
The central image was an airliner, something that, like life itself, experiences highs, lows and turbulence.
—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
21 June 2026
European airlines hit some turbulence.
—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulence
Noun
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The federal government accelerated efforts to subdue resistance, bringing years of hardship and upheaval for Native Americans.
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The two respond to the upheaval in different ways, one embracing a new lease on life, the other feeling unmoored and disoriented.
Noun
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Then about a week later, the son responded to a commotion outside their home and found Spencer hitting his mother in the head with a brick, according to officials.
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Seeing the commotion, Louis and Paul came galloping back.
Noun
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The three previous World Cup matches in Arlington have brought the excitement, as fans have left with memorable moments from each contest.
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The latest excitement at the nest was the birth of Sandy and Luna, and their rapid growth after hatching nearly two months ago.
Noun
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Golt could not say what the disturbance was about.
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However, in the eastern Pacific basin, a pair of tropical disturbances are being watched for possible development in the next several days far from land.
Noun
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His Yanks might have won the World Series in 1994, Showalter’s third year, if that World Series hadn’t been canceled by labor strife.
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The tabloids have been extra vicious of late regarding your family strife.
Noun
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The crowd trouble began hours before the July 2024 match.
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For his trouble, he’s escorted out of the neighborhood in his shiny Sting Ray by a foursome of menacing dirtbikes.
Noun
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Mercury stations retrograde in Cancer in your 11th House of Friends and Community, bringing old invitations, group-chat confusion, or unclear expectations back into focus.
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Behind every mug shot is a trail of confusion and heartbreak.
Noun
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The federal program, established by Congress in 1990, shields immigrants from countries in turmoil from deportation.
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This catastrophe severely exacerbates Venezuela's existing economic crisis and political turmoil, leaving children facing extreme deprivation, malnutrition, and disease.
Cite this Entry
“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulence. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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