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
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Recent Examples of turbulent
More turbulent water draining from the desert via seasonal drainage channels called wadis might have brought others.
—
Geoff Emberling, The Conversation, 19 May 2026
The couple welcomed two children, daughters Sami and Lola Rose, during their turbulent relationship, which ended in 2006.
—John Russell, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
In turbulent markets, turn to companies with solid dividend growth to provide your portfolio with some downside protection, according to Trivariate Research.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 19 May 2026
Bell’s arrival follows one of the most turbulent leadership stretches at UF in recent memory.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Geoff Emberling, The Conversation, 19 May 2026
The couple welcomed two children, daughters Sami and Lola Rose, during their turbulent relationship, which ended in 2006.
—John Russell, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
In turbulent markets, turn to companies with solid dividend growth to provide your portfolio with some downside protection, according to Trivariate Research.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 19 May 2026
Bell’s arrival follows one of the most turbulent leadership stretches at UF in recent memory.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
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When Ahmed suggested that this was a bad idea, since Denise was the one who had been violent, Denise began cursing at him.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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Some people argue that enforcement becomes necessary when encampments grow large or long-term, especially when safety concerns, sanitation issues, or violent incidents arise.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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The pitching staff has been jostled, with a rough outing by lefty reliever Aaron Bummer on Monday necessitating his release on Tuesday.—
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
20 May 2026
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Government bonds in Australia and New Zealand are having a rough May.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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While the overall state of the Angels remains bleak – their 18-34 record is the worst in the majors – on this night the fans could enjoy a rare break from the misery.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
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In a world that often feels increasingly bleak and politically exhausted, there’s comfort in leaning into softness, seduction, and fantasy, and in letting your wardrobe reflect that desire too.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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Dominic's mother also told detectives about another tumultuous fight that took place in July 2022.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
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His four-year journey was tumultuous, but Coghlan maintained an unwavering confidence throughout and is now playing the best hockey of his life, under the bright lights of the Stanley Cup playoffs.—
Jesse Granger,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Adjective
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The first wave of women’s-rights activists won suffrage for women, against ferocious and sometimes violent opposition.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
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Featuring aching, ferocious performances from Emmy winners Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson, Camp Miasma imagines the resurrection of a dormant slasher franchise.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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White Sox fans got the last laugh on Sunday afternoon as their squad completed a wild, thrilling comeback victory over their crosstown rivals.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
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Ebola virus is transmitted to people from wild animals, such as fruit bats, porcupines and non-human primates, with fruit bats believed to be the natural hosts of the orthoebolavirus.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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Photos from the rainy Buckingham Palace gathering — complete with umbrellas and overcast skies — further echoed familiar scenes from the late monarch’s reign.—
Paloma Chavez,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
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That's it on this rainy Tuesday with 36 holes of golf on my schedule this week.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
Adjective
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There were sporadic injuries reported as well as some arrests and property damage.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 May 2026
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Flowers nearly cover the plant in spring, followed by sporadic blooms throughout the season.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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