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
The turbulent relationship between Paul and Mortensen has been documented since the first season of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
—
Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Major League Baseball is facing a turbulent moment right now.
—Luisa Beltran, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2026
As turbulent as the weather has been, so has the flurry of TV and streaming ads and political mailings from the candidates, as well as from special interests seeking to influence voters.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Grenier’s character, Nate, was largely hated in online circles for being a flaky, unsupportive boyfriend to Andy during her turbulent time working at Runway Magazine.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Major League Baseball is facing a turbulent moment right now.
—Luisa Beltran, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2026
As turbulent as the weather has been, so has the flurry of TV and streaming ads and political mailings from the candidates, as well as from special interests seeking to influence voters.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Grenier’s character, Nate, was largely hated in online circles for being a flaky, unsupportive boyfriend to Andy during her turbulent time working at Runway Magazine.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
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Obi Anyadike is Senior Africa Editor at The New Humanitarian, with a focus on violent extremism.—
Obi Anyadike,
semafor.com,
23 Mar. 2026
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Bergen said the pledge of allegiance gives a broader meaning to base violent desires.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Based on the book by Bart Baker, Honeymoon with Harry follows a rough-around-the-edges man (Gyllenhaal) who ends up sharing an unwanted journey with his fiancée’s prickly, overprotective father (Costner) after a life-altering turn upends their plans.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2026
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Even if the promo is rough around the edges, Hartline creates a space that encourages creativity.—
Anthony Solorzano,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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After a week of bleak, rainy weather, spring breakers finally got a nice beach day on Friday.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
21 Mar. 2026
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In her endeavor to exalt such a bleak world, Zuniga seems to be battling herself.—
Vrinda Jagota,
Pitchfork,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Those countries, situated in Northern Europe, have strong healthcare and educational systems that provide crucial safeguards for tumultuous modern life.—
Jeanne Bonner,
CNN Money,
19 Mar. 2026
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Over the years, Paul and Mortensen’s tumultuous dynamic has played out publicly, further complicated by coparenting and, most recently, reports of an open domestic assault investigation that has coincided with a pause in the series’s production.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The best win of Leeds United’s season is arguably the ferocious demolition of Chelsea in December.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
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Tehran’s retaliation was swift and ferocious.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The End features performances from Shane Gillis, Nate Bargatze, Tom Segura, Tony Hinchcliffe, and many more of comedy’s top storytellers, who share their wildest, most unfiltered true stories in front of a live audience.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
23 Mar. 2026
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Leah pokes her head out around his legs, her eyes wild with excitement.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Despite rainy March weather outside, the inside of their matcha cafe was buzzing with dozens of customers happily sipping on light green lattes.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
25 Mar. 2026
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County officials said four members of the Baltimore County Animal Services went down the embankment and made their way through thick brush and debris to reach Trooper during a rainy and snowy day.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Roberts said Kim would benefit from getting more consistent playing time in Triple-A rather than getting sporadic playing time in the major leagues.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
23 Mar. 2026
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Borek credited Muszelik with perhaps an even tougher challenge of having to stave off sporadic waves, versus the consistent pressure Lundgren faced.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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