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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in bleak
marked by wet and windy conditions
expect turbulent weather as the cold front brings rain and sleet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in tumultuous
marked by sudden or violent disturbance
these are turbulent, dangerous times in a region known for being a powder keg
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Sheinbaum said the priority is to reduce external energy dependence in turbulent times and avoid situations like the one experienced in Europe with the shortage of Russian gas during the war in Ukraine or the one caused by the current war in the Middle East.
—
María Verza, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026
The first Zulu Nation block party was held in 1977, set against a turbulent time for New York City — one marked by a historic blackout and a series of blazes across the South Bronx.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
His character brings a new level of unpredictability to the already turbulent world of Westmont Village, creating fresh tension for Coop and the other residents.
—Scott Shilstone, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
Families say finding community in those who have already charted the turbulent tides of the state's mental health care system has been a critical resource.
—CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
María Verza, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026
The first Zulu Nation block party was held in 1977, set against a turbulent time for New York City — one marked by a historic blackout and a series of blazes across the South Bronx.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
His character brings a new level of unpredictability to the already turbulent world of Westmont Village, creating fresh tension for Coop and the other residents.
—Scott Shilstone, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
Families say finding community in those who have already charted the turbulent tides of the state's mental health care system has been a critical resource.
—CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
-
By all accounts, virality is violent for its subjects, and building a sustainable career from sudden celebrity is a formidable task; any sensible person would be wise to distrust such an instantaneous anointing.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The election comes amid a surge in violent crime and corruption that has fueled widespread discontent among voters, who largely view candidates as dishonest and unprepared for the presidency.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With climate change causing storms to be stronger and rougher than in the past, communities up and down the California coast are facing a similar challenge, as other aging wooden piers suffer damage, leaving cities facing large bills while the public clamors to keep the popular attractions open.—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Using your fingers and the outside edges of your palms, press in any rough spots or remaining dry bits of dough.—
Chris Morocco,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s partly because their bleak ending feels like a foregone conclusion from the start, even as Levinson’s frequently funny script crackles with comic depravity.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
-
While the subject matter is bleak, Almodóvar balances the darkness with a tenderness and sensitivity that comes from a career of exploring women's lives at their most intimate.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This live recording stars Jonathan Groff and a never-better Daniel Radcliffe as talented but tumultuous creative partners, with Lindsay Mendez as their bestie, in a nifty narrative that follows the ups and downs of the trio's relationship.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The former chief financial officer is an HSBC veteran, speaks eight languages, and has a reputation for being soft-spoken and methodical -- a sea change from the tumultuous tenure of his predecessor, Noel Quinn.—
Clay Chandler,
semafor.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Blown out, extravagant, dripping with ferocious malaise and desperation, but precisely arranged for the maximum possible emotional effect.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Otters are part of the weasel family (Mustelidae), which includes some of nature’s most ferocious pint-sized predators, such as badgers, martens, and wolverines.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Grammy-winner's catalog is woven into the narrative with surprising elegance that serves the story on emotional beats, and give these familiar tunes a wild new dimension.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Lawson Crouse scored for Utah, which holds the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference with a three-point lead on the Los Angeles Kings, who have a game in hand.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After a rainy Easter Sunday in Maryland, temperatures will drop below normal for the next few days.—
Rachael Jay,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The mighty tiny shellear from Africa The shellear fish (Parakneria thysi) begins its ascent up the vertical wall of the falls in the splash zone at the end of the rainy season (April-May).—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Since then there have been sporadic signs of life regarding the venue, mostly to do with liquor licensing and permit requests, such as last October when a company called Dome Center LLC filed an application for a conditional-use permit.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Over the last week, government responses had been sporadic, but seemed to signal that the return was a matter of when — not if.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
