1
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity
order was restored to the court after the judge put a stop to the defendant's tempestuous outburst
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2
as in turbulent
marked by sudden or violent disturbance
in terms of social change, the 1960s are generally considered the most tempestuous decade in recent American history
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3
as in rough
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements
we spent a tempestuous night stranded on the summit of the mountain
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4
as in bleak
marked by wet and windy conditions
stay indoors this weekend as the weather promises to be tempestuous
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tempestuous
The mayor, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), tries to be patient with this officer of the law, but the two men have a tempestuous history.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025
It’s been a tempestuous ride for Elon Musk’s mammoth Starship, after three flight launch attempts devolved in fiery glory and air-traffic stopping debris this year to date.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 19 June 2025
Jake has a hot temper like a tempestuous Aries and will do anything to get his mother's love and respect, often competing with his two brothers for her attention.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025
But the relationship was tempestuous from the start.
—Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempestuous
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025
It’s been a tempestuous ride for Elon Musk’s mammoth Starship, after three flight launch attempts devolved in fiery glory and air-traffic stopping debris this year to date.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 19 June 2025
Jake has a hot temper like a tempestuous Aries and will do anything to get his mother's love and respect, often competing with his two brothers for her attention.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025
But the relationship was tempestuous from the start.
—Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempestuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempestuous
Adjective
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The two got married, had a baby, and started a quiet life together far away from his violent past.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
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As droves of tourists continue to flock to Spain for European summer vacations, the nation’s emergency responders are dealing with the aftermath of a violent wave of flash flooding in nearly half of the country’s 50 provinces.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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All died in the turbulent waters of Lake Michigan while vacationing in South Haven, where public outrage over the lack of lifeguards has been building.—
Tresa Baldas,
Freep.com,
21 July 2025
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Wander the ruins of Cristóvão de Moura’s palace, a poignant echo of Portugal’s turbulent entanglement with Spanish rule.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Here are several other Twins takeaways from a rough weekend in Denver, which ended on an encouraging note: Ryan shows confidence after first All-Star Game Making his first start since delivering a dominant inning in the All-Star Game on Tuesday, Ryan was outstanding in the series finale.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
21 July 2025
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Devin Williams has settled down after a rough beginning of the year, and Luke Weaver remains superb despite some hiccups before the All-Star Break.—
Daniel R. Epstein,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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An inside look at the birth and power of ferocious storms Lowry credits the current warming in the Atlantic to a weakening of the Bermuda High, a pattern of high pressure that expands and shrinks over the western Atlantic and heavily influences hurricane movement.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
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That rear wing incorporates a Formula 1-style drag-reduction system, S-duct air channel, aggressive front splitter, and rear diffuser to help generate an impressive 860 kilograms of downforce at 177 mph for ferocious performance.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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The two have one of the fiercest rivals in college football known as the Iron Bowl.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
19 July 2025
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He’s also ruled out the Chinese mainland due to fierce competition, entrenched EV incumbents, and a power grid so advanced that ultra-fast charging is widely available—making battery swapping largely unnecessary.—
Clay Chandler,
Fortune,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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This ends up looking like a furious around-the-horn toss, with all three outfielders sprinting in to complete the drill.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
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The House abruptly began its summer recess Wednesday evening, a day earlier than scheduled, as GOP leaders balked at efforts from Republicans and Democrats to press the Justice Department to make public government documents regarding Epstein. Democrats were furious.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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The island chain was (and is still being) formed by a volcanic hot spot that has so far created 15 different volcanoes that stretch 3,800 miles across the Pacific.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
14 July 2025
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Schrodinger basin, a large impact crater near the moon’s south pole, shows evidence of geologically recent volcanic activity.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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Next up in the renewables sector is the continuation of a rabid race to break ground on clean-energy projects to beat the tax credit deadlines.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
3 July 2025
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Unvaccinated pets represent the greatest risk of rabies exposure to humans and are frequently the link between rabid wildlife and people.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tempestuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempestuous. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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