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 Over the years this turbulent pairing found its groove, opening their own agency while Kayla discovered boundaries (sort of). — Margy Rochlin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 My Lady Clam bobbed in the water, which didn’t look so turbulent from where Kath sat. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 This list is my small effort to stop the undertow of history from sucking up my favorite underseen shows from this uniquely abundant—and turbulent—century. — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 On November 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank without a distress call in the turbulent waters of Lake Superior. — Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 10 Aug. 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
  • Cox, whose home overlooks the scenic drive, said she's seen several violent crashes along the road.
    — Laurie Perez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In an unusual move just a few months before the midterm elections as many Republicans continue to tout the drop in crime, the FBI report also noted that violent and other crime has continued to drop during the first six months of 2026.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of violent
Adjective
  • While the exact timing and intensity of the impacts are still uncertain and will ultimately depend on how close Lala tracks to the Hawaiian islands, heavy rain, strong winds and rough surf impacts are likely this weekend.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • More recently, a rolling cast of content creators has taken to making day trips to Blackpool’s roughest wards to capitalize on the environs of its impoverished communities.
    — George Francis Lee, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of rough
Adjective
  • But some analysts forecast a bleak future for Democrats in the right-leaning district.
    — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Herons' chances of advancing were already bleak after entering the match 12th in the MLS standings following their loss to Monterrey.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • Junior Shea Simpson couldn't be happier to be back on the field for practice after an emotionally tumultuous last few months.
    — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Have these tumultuous real-world consequences unnerved Roberts?
    — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of tumultuous
Adjective
  • Many EVs can deliver incredible stats—ferocious acceleration is their calling card—but not all deliver a holistic driving experience like the best German sedans of the past 40 or 50 years.
    — Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • To the world, McRae is a strong, fearless entertainer, a triple threat who can pen songs that recall the fizzy pop of the early aughts and bring them to life as a ferocious singer and dancer.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of ferocious
Adjective
  • The Padres pulled into a tie with Philadelphia and Arizona for the third NL wild-card spot after winning their fourth straight game and 14th of 18.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Typically depicted with exaggerated features and ragged clothing – or no clothing at all – these children were often shown being chased by alligators or other wild animals.
    — The Conversation, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of wild
Adjective
  • After years on a downward slope, surplus funds are paying down a pension debt accumulated over seven decades, the state’s rainy-day fund is full, state projects are receiving support, and the state’s credit was upgraded several times since 2020.
    — Elona Vaisnys, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Most of the Tri-State Area, including New York City, is under a heat advisory Thursday and Friday, with rainy weather bringing the risk of flash flooding.
    — Justin Lewis, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of rainy
Adjective
  • Not all are tankers; many operators are still deterred from using the strait because of sporadic Iranian drone attacks.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Players often arrive back from their summer breaks with a base level of fitness — enhanced by light and sporadic individual training during their holidays — and their natural athlete’s stamina.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of sporadic

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turbulence
turbulent
turbulently
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Cite this Entry

“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of turbulent for Spanish Speakers

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