turbulent

adjective

ˈtər-byə-lənt How to pronounce turbulent (audio)
Definition of turbulentnext
1
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity the turbulent struggle for civil rights that shook up American society in the 1960s

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2
as in rough
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements the turbulent rapids of the river were certainly daunting to those of us who were new to river rafting

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3
as in bleak
marked by wet and windy conditions expect turbulent weather as the cold front brings rain and sleet

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4
as in tumultuous
marked by sudden or violent disturbance these are turbulent, dangerous times in a region known for being a powder keg

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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 turbulent The 51-year-old is hoping to stabilize its turbulent politics, while reducing crime and boosting economic growth. — Franklin Briceño, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026 The Senate on Monday advanced the Cabinet-level nomination of Jay Clayton to be director of national intelligence despite a turbulent confirmation process that’s been weeks in the making. — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 27 July 2026 After winning a Stanley Cup in 2019 and making four straight playoff appearances, the team entered a turbulent stretch in 2022-23. — Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 27 July 2026 Empathy drives us through hard and turbulent conversations; empathy drives humanity to progress to a better reality. — Vriti Shah, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
  1. violent
  2. rough
  3. bleak
  4. tumultuous
  5. ferocious
  6. wild
  7. rainy
  8. sporadic
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
  • 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
  • Eventually, a gun-free compromise was found, though the opening act of the movie would remain surprisingly bleak and emotionally complex.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Some of them are orphans or runaways, and so the environment is pretty bleak.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • The father’s trial revealed the extent of Colt’s tumultuous childhood.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • The loss to Valley Christian brought an end to a tumultuous season.
    — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 26 July 2026
Definition of tumultuous
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
  • Despite a middling 50-51 record, the Padres are within two games of the National League’s final wild-card spot after beating the Atlanta Braves 8-3 on Tuesday.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The entire region is being transformed from beautiful, wild, healthy, relatively intact and super biodiverse habitat to an energy sector sacrifice zone.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026
Definition of wild
Adjective
  • Her work for a mobile car-washing service dwindles during the rainy season; the family can only afford one full meal a day, Torres said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 July 2026
  • Torres' daughter's work dwindles during the rainy season in Texas, and the family only can afford one complete meal a day.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of rainy
Adjective
  • Through sporadic radio contact, engineers discovered a problem with some of the spacecraft’s cold gas thrusters used for finer attitude control.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
  • There is little data on the extent of the fraud cases, because reporting is so sporadic and scattered across dozens of agencies.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of sporadic

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on turbulent

Nglish: Translation of turbulent for Spanish Speakers

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