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
Both the defendants and the plaintiff have pointed to a turbulent home life for Kaley.
—
ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
The message carried the tone of a player who had spent a turbulent week in limbo — publicly traded, publicly un-traded and now publicly recommitting to the team that drafted him.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
However, over the course of 100s of millions of years, these turbulent conditions settle, resulting in a stable solar system like ours.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Born in 1959, Irsay grew up during one of the most turbulent and transformative periods in modern American history.
—Adam Reiss, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
The message carried the tone of a player who had spent a turbulent week in limbo — publicly traded, publicly un-traded and now publicly recommitting to the team that drafted him.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
However, over the course of 100s of millions of years, these turbulent conditions settle, resulting in a stable solar system like ours.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Born in 1959, Irsay grew up during one of the most turbulent and transformative periods in modern American history.
—Adam Reiss, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
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Although the heat has everyone dealing with some degree of dampness, sweating is often a source of violent embarrassment for you.—
Addie Citchens,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
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In Send Help, now in theaters, Linda (Rachel McAdams) and her overbearing boss Bradley (Dylan O’Brien) survive a plane crash and become stranded on a deserted island, where their past office grievances become a violent fight for survival.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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If that means getting rougher and going outside of the rules and expectations for appropriate use of force, that’s all fine.—
Bob Ortega,
CNN Money,
10 Mar. 2026
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The Dolphins went 7-10 and missed the playoffs last season, benching Tagovailoa in favor of Quinn Ewers for the final three games, ending a rough season for the former Alabama star.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But just as the season was looking bleak, the Horned Frogs began to evolve into the best versions of themselves.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2026
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But as bleak losses pile up at the end of another disappointing season, this defensive disconnect remains a clear focal point for the team’s plans to build a better future.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Due to the show’s tumultuous nature, actors cycle in and out of the spotlight, leading the action for a scene or two, then disappearing into the wings.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
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Robinhood’s short history has been tumultuous.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Anyone who has defied the regime before has risked their life to do so, and – despite being at the mercy of the most ferocious military machine on the face of the planet – the regime might yet survive.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
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American Nathan Martin, a 36-year-old high school cross-country coach from Jackson, Michigan, ran 2 hours, 11 minutes and 16 seconds (five minutes per mile) to claim victory with a ferocious kick that came down to his final stride.—
John Davis,
Daily News,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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While reading the manga, Godoy would take photos of Luffy’s wildest faces to try to include them in his performance.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
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Tommy Novak scored 17 seconds into overtime to complete a wild comeback in the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-4 victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Add all that to ideal daytime temps in the mid-70s, and a low chance of showers before the rainy season begins around June, and your last-minute CDMX trip practically plans itself.—
Annie Daly,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
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Don't be afraid of the rainy season.—
Tom Vanderbilt,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But Fontecchio has been in and out of the rotation, and Johnson has played only sporadic minutes this season.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
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Kilauea is among the world’s most active volcanoes, with sporadic flare-ups since December 2024.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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