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
These enduring truths are what anchor us in turbulent times.
—
Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Engineers confirmed that Skydweller not only stayed airborne but also handled real-time autonomous decisions, adapted to turbulent weather and maintained secure communications.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
That's up 16% from 512,000 savers who broke into seven digits on their 401(k) statements in the first quarter's turbulent market.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
DeSoto’s Week 1 was even more turbulent.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Engineers confirmed that Skydweller not only stayed airborne but also handled real-time autonomous decisions, adapted to turbulent weather and maintained secure communications.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
That's up 16% from 512,000 savers who broke into seven digits on their 401(k) statements in the first quarter's turbulent market.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
DeSoto’s Week 1 was even more turbulent.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
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The left is always, at all times and places, a violent phenomenon full of hatred.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
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Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, has written about hurricanes, tornadoes and violent weather for more than 30 years.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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After their rough start to SEC play, the Razorbacks finished with an 8-10 conference record, good enough to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament.—
Michael Harley,
Arkansas Online,
12 Sep. 2025
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Despite its rough appearance, the system helped operators better judge distance and handle tasks more precisely.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Yes, there are good reasons to question NASA's long-term plans for the Artemis lunar program—the woeful cost of the Space Launch System rocket, the complexity of new commercial landers, and a bleak budget outlook.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
12 Sep. 2025
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That's rather bleak, while Charlie Sheen's life has just been bonkers.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While the potential for upside is significant, the journey can be tumultuous.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Nvidia has had a tumultuous relationship with the Chinese market in recent months, as the company has been caught up in geopolitical volatility.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Just like that, Denver’s ferocious defensive front had turned a go-ahead scoring opportunity for the Titans into a punt.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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The conflict in Europe was mirrored by a ferocious debate between scientists and Spiritualists, each side fueled by the pain of their own private losses.—
Alice Vernon
September 8,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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July through September brings the most color, and wild sunflowers are well-known for growing here.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
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John Mitani is a professor emeritus of anthropology at the University of Michigan, whose studies over 45 years have included wild chimpanzees in Uganda and Tanzania; gibbons and orangutans in Indonesia, gorillas in Rwanda, and bonobos in the Democratic Republic of Congo.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Many devotees endured the rainy weather to honor the statue and attend a mass led by Archbishop Thomas Wenski in the evening.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
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Then, following what is typically a dry winter, the new rainy season starts in October and November.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In the face of fierce opposition, Lyles supported bringing the Republican National Convention to Charlotte in 2020 — standing on her commitment to represent the entire city as mayor.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Sep. 2025
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In Paradise Bay, competition is fierce to attract high-end clientele and the standout offering at Maxx Royal is its two-story, 5,750-square-meter spa.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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