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 Brontë
Anne Brontë
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.
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
Both losses came during his short, turbulent 2024 UFC run that ended in his release after consecutive losses to Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Austen Lane.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Cities and towns across northern Ontario, having already pivoted from mining and manufacturing to hosting major film and TV shoots, are rising to the logistical challenges of turbulent times.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Inside, another naked woman on a Jet Ski does circles in a turbulent body of water.
—Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
The shift has direct market implications, Dalio said, as investors must navigate a turbulent period where currency values face risk and uncertainty demands liquidity and diversification including gold.
—David Westin, Fortune, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
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Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Cities and towns across northern Ontario, having already pivoted from mining and manufacturing to hosting major film and TV shoots, are rising to the logistical challenges of turbulent times.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Inside, another naked woman on a Jet Ski does circles in a turbulent body of water.
—Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
The shift has direct market implications, Dalio said, as investors must navigate a turbulent period where currency values face risk and uncertainty demands liquidity and diversification including gold.
—David Westin, Fortune, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulent. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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