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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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
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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
The Memphis Grizzlies are trying to navigate a turbulent end of the season.
—
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
It’s been a turbulent few months for West, who has controversially used X to continue doubling down on his antisemitic sentiments, praising Hitler and showing off a Swastika chain after trying to sell Swastika t-shirts.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025
The markets were up slightly ahead of Trump's announcement, which hit immediately after trading hours came to a close, following a turbulent month in which stocks rose and fell in dramatic fashion as the Republican president and his administration openly discussed their potential plans.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Losses weren’t quite as dire as on Thursday for media and tech stocks, but the morning still signaled a glum end to a turbulent week.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
It’s been a turbulent few months for West, who has controversially used X to continue doubling down on his antisemitic sentiments, praising Hitler and showing off a Swastika chain after trying to sell Swastika t-shirts.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025
The markets were up slightly ahead of Trump's announcement, which hit immediately after trading hours came to a close, following a turbulent month in which stocks rose and fell in dramatic fashion as the Republican president and his administration openly discussed their potential plans.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Losses weren’t quite as dire as on Thursday for media and tech stocks, but the morning still signaled a glum end to a turbulent week.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
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Related: Trump administration captured 'very violent' top street gang leader.—
Krystal Nurse,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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Under the plan, the department will also combine two bureaus focused on arms control and eliminate units focused on countering violent extremism from the department’s counterterrorism bureau.—
Shannon K. Kingston,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But after a rough start, Budenholzer benched Nurkić and removed him from the rotation.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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Two paratroopers were injured after a rough landing that was caught on video at a baseball game in Arizona.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The observations from Drewry’s and Moody’s, as well as the scenario floated by McCown, follow a bleak outlook for the middle of May out of the biggest port in the U.S.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
25 Apr. 2025
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These economic concerns echo findings from a Federal Reserve survey last week that said Americans’ view of the economy is bleak — and getting worse.—
Shannon Carroll,
Quartz,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Polls show Trump’s approval numbers have fallen in recent weeks after the tumultuous moves around the tariffs and the volatile stock market.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
19 Apr. 2025
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The Nuggets’ upcoming playoff journey follows a tumultuous organizational upheaval which, with only three games remaining in the season, saw the firings of ten-year head coach Michael Malone – tied for the latest such ouster in a season in NBA history – as well as general manager Calvin Booth.—
Joel Rush,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There’s scenario No. 1: Either Carter, a ferocious All-American pass rusher, or Hunter, a generational wide receiver-cornerback hybrid, is available, and the Patriots can add a premium talent at a position of need in what can only be described as a front-office dream.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
16 Apr. 2025
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In other words, if Instagram had even somewhat appeared as a future threat to Facebook or Facebook’s competition, there would have been a ferocious bidding war for Instagram that would have pushed its purchase price far, far above $1 billion.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Monday night’s draft commences the 2025 WNBA campaign, which comes on the heels of an all-time wild offseason.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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This behavior mimics their wild ancestors, who would ambush prey from above or perch in trees to avoid danger.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The agency recalled that between 2022 and 2024, around 60% of annual admissions for severe acute malnutrition occurred during the rainy season, meaning that up to 462,000 children could be affected this year if the trend holds.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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Areas affected by the Harmattan experience significant dryness, unlike the rainy season when the monsoon wind (from the south) prevails.—
Christophe Lavaysse,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Melania Trump has courted controversy, garnered attention for her fashion Trump's fashion choices are the subject of fierce controversy and constant attention.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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Orlando City and Atlanta United will meet on Saturday in a fierce rivalry MLS matchup, a game soccer fans in the U.S. won't want to miss.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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