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
In turbulent times, companies big and small need a sharper focus more than ever.
—
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Born in 1924, with a life forged in Italian anti-fascism, religious nonconformity, and artistic radicalism, Sapienza’s turbulent existence had the feel of a one-person prison fight itself, even if her name is not immediately recognizable to international audiences.
—David Katz, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
That compares with a roughly 1% advance for the S & P 500 , which has had a turbulent year as investors feared that President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies could tip the U.S. economy into a recession.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 19 May 2025
But when the flow becomes turbulent, the fluid splits into eddies and whirlpools, which in turn develop smaller swirls.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Born in 1924, with a life forged in Italian anti-fascism, religious nonconformity, and artistic radicalism, Sapienza’s turbulent existence had the feel of a one-person prison fight itself, even if her name is not immediately recognizable to international audiences.
—David Katz, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
That compares with a roughly 1% advance for the S & P 500 , which has had a turbulent year as investors feared that President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies could tip the U.S. economy into a recession.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 19 May 2025
But when the flow becomes turbulent, the fluid splits into eddies and whirlpools, which in turn develop smaller swirls.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
-
Europeans, Australians and Americans organized violent, racially motivated riots and lawmakers began enacting anti-Chinese immigration legislation, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
16 May 2025
-
Some liberal critics on social media say that Republicans did not seem to take issue when the same slogan — or even more violent rhetoric — was targeted at a Democratic president.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Zippers provide the most secure closure, but their bulkiness and rough feel may mar a peaceful sleep.—
Carrie Honaker,
Southern Living,
22 May 2025
-
The 200 square miles of surrounding coral reefs proved rough for mariners, but divers now reap the benefits with some 300 shipwrecks to explore, from the 192-foot American schooner Constellation that sank during World War II to the Mary Celestia, a Civil War era paddle-wheeler.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
The latest Email Threat Trends Report from VIPRE paints a bleak picture.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
Related article Putin just called Trump’s bluff on Ukraine, with the Russian art of the ‘no’ deal Ukraine in 2025 is a bleak prospect.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
These are stocks for a tumultuous market and economy and will probably do best if the S & P 500 starts to struggle again.—
John Melloy,
CNBC,
25 May 2025
-
Virginia's death came following a tumultuous start to 2025.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
She and her fellow hybrids are sent to investigate the site, leading to the encounter of mysterious life forms — including one ferocious Xenomorph.—
Nick Romano,
EW.com,
23 May 2025
-
Both general elections are expected to be competitive, but only the New Jersey Democratic primary has featured ferocious competition out of the four party primaries.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
The rocky bluffs make the waters particularly treacherous, earning the tip of Door County a wild nickname: Death’s Door.—
Jacqueline Kehoe,
AFAR Media,
21 May 2025
-
The area sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound is packed with maritime forests, sand dunes, and shrub thickets, all untouched, all wild, and all waiting patiently for visitors to explore.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Inland flooding People in low-lying areas are familiar with how bad the streets get with Florida’s typical summer rainy season.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2025
-
Trump and Musk cuts kneecapped forecasters Southern California already faced massive wildfires in January — normally the rainy season.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Their love and fierce loyalty toward one another is a high point of Season 2.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2025
-
Johnson’s selection came over the fierce opposition of some of the school’s staunchest supporters, who celebrate FAMU’s legacy of Black excellence, social mobility and cultural pride.—
Kate Payne,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share