turbulent

adjective

tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt 

1

a

: exhibiting physical turbulence

turbulent air

b

: characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous

a turbulent marriage

2

: causing unrest, violence, or disturbance

a set of mischievous, turbulent rebels

—Anne Brönte

turbulently adverb

Did you know?

Some people lead turbulent lives, and some are constantly in the grip of turbulent emotions. The late 1960s are remembered as turbulent years of social revolution in America and Europe. Often the captain of an airplane will warn passengers to fasten their seatbelts because of upper-air turbulence, which can make for a bumpy ride. El Niño, a seasonal current of warm water in the Pacific Ocean, may create turbulence in the winds across the United States, affecting patterns of rainfall and temperature as well.

Synonyms

• bang-bang
• blood-and-guts
• convulsive
• cyclonic
• explosive
• ferocious
• fierce
• furious
• hammer-and-tongs
• hot
• knock-down, drag-out
• knock-down-and-drag-out
• paroxysmal
• rabid
• rough
• stormy
• tempestuous
• tumultuous
• violent
• volcanic

Examples of turbulent in a Sentence

Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize.

The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Paris prosecutor’s office had requested five years in prison, with three years suspended, following a turbulent two-day court hearing in early December. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2025

And Sasaki, who could have changed the Padres’ fortunes amid a quiet yet turbulent offseason in San Diego, went from playing catch at Petco Park to signing a minor-league deal with the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. —Dennis Lin, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025

Like the Chiefs in parts of the regular season, UConn is in the midst of a turbulent period. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 2 Feb. 2025

Their relationship was notoriously turbulent, with multiple breakups and reconciliations over the years. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing turbulent

• turbulent flow

Kids Definition

turbulent

adjective

tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt 

: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance

a turbulent relationship

turbulently adverb