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
From that turbulent era, research emerged that transformed American life for the better.
—
Andrew V. Papachristos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
The transition would come at a turbulent time for Musk.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
In an excerpt published by People, Hanks writes about her turbulent upbringing, the aftermath of her parents’ divorce and her quest to understand her mom.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Bernstein did not, of course, walk out of the turbulent session.
—David Denby, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Andrew V. Papachristos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
The transition would come at a turbulent time for Musk.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
In an excerpt published by People, Hanks writes about her turbulent upbringing, the aftermath of her parents’ divorce and her quest to understand her mom.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Bernstein did not, of course, walk out of the turbulent session.
—David Denby, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
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Third, the violent reaction in financial markets that followed Mr. Trump's latest tariff salvo could persuade him to change course.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2025
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Adams said the pair had discussed how to combat violent migrant gangs and embedding more New York Police Department officers into federal task forces.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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If history provides any clues, the U.S. soybean farmers are in for a rough year.—
Ken Roberts,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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This is his first-person account of how a rough start after high school eventually led to a job at The Star and a redemptive moment while on assignment.—
Dominick Williams,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The coming-of-age story finds a new generation of young women in Gilead, grappling with the bleak future that awaits them.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2025
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Stocks had sold off sharply last Friday, amid growing uncertainty on U.S. trade policy and a bleak inflation outlook.—
Amala Balakrishner,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The admonishment is the latest blemish on Shore’s record, bringing to a close the tumultuous final year of what had been a long and distinguished career as an attorney and judge.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
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The big picture: The polling data says he's stabilized Metro government following a tumultuous seven years dating back to Mayor Megan Barry's resignation.—
Nate Rau,
Axios,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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And yet even the breeziest of Catullus’ occasional poems can suddenly betray flashes of ferocious emotion.—
Daniel Mendelsohn,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
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In terms of food security, the abundance of the blue catfish available could assist people in need, and on the flipside, rid the bay of a ferocious predator.—
Kristin L. Wolfe,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Sure enough, it’s filled with campy setpieces and wild gore that plays well to an audience looking for a wild time.—
William Earl,
Variety,
3 Apr. 2025
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Wildlife officials later identified the animal as a marbled cat, a mysterious wild cat rarely seen on trail cameras or in-person.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Recent urban expansion and years of inadequate rainy seasons have significantly increased human-wildlife conflict in the area.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
1 Apr. 2025
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The Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) will conduct tests this rainy season to determine whether the projects are improving as much as expected.—
Courtney Heath,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Jackson estate explicitly wanted nothing about Chandler in the film, so fact that the allegations do appear has led to a fierce internal dispute and extensive reshoots, Deadline has confirmed.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2025
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The sky-high prices caused fierce backlash against Ticketmaster, the country’s biggest ticketing website and concert promoter, from lawmakers who accused the company of acting as a monopoly.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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