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
For the Angels, that steady presence has been appreciated during a turbulent season that includes the team firing general manager Perry Minasian and replacing him with interim GM John Mozeliak, as well as another injury absence for Mike Trout.
—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Based on the Culpables books by Mercedes Ron, Culpa MÃa follows the passionate, turbulent romance between two step-siblings, Noah and Nick, across their teen years and into young adulthood.
—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
30 June 2026
The platform would achieve stability in deep, turbulent waters through taut mooring lines that secure its floating foundation firmly to the seabed.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 June 2026
Maher, who's had a turbulent relationship with the president in recent months, received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at The Kennedy Center.
—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Based on the Culpables books by Mercedes Ron, Culpa MÃa follows the passionate, turbulent romance between two step-siblings, Noah and Nick, across their teen years and into young adulthood.
—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
30 June 2026
The platform would achieve stability in deep, turbulent waters through taut mooring lines that secure its floating foundation firmly to the seabed.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 June 2026
Maher, who's had a turbulent relationship with the president in recent months, received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at The Kennedy Center.
—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
-
Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, writes about violent weather, climate change and other news.
-
English soccer fans have earned a reputation for violent hooliganism, hurling plastic chairs and brawling their way across the piazzas and boulevards of Europe.
Adjective
-
Mariana is not pleased to hear this, and he's got some rough-looking dudes with him.
-
Dual suspension helps smooth rough trails, hydraulic disc brakes provide dependable stopping power in changing conditions, and four-inch fat tires improve traction across gravel, dirt, sand, and pavement.
Adjective
-
Houssem Aouar finally spied a gap in the Austrian defence and sent Mahrez through to score, sparking jubilation before Sasa Kalajdzic’s header confirmed a ridiculous ending to a game that was dramatic, bleak and then dramatic again.
-
Kehoe pointed to the state’s bleak finances in a statement explaining his cuts on Tuesday.
Adjective
-
This year's 250th celebrations come at a tumultuous moment for the country, between economic uncertainty, foreign conflicts and political polarization.
-
Bicentennial Park quickly fell into disrepair through the tumultuous 1980s.
Adjective
-
Speaking of, Ross asked Janssen about the steamy bathhouse scene during which Xenia and Bond face off in an encounter that is both flirty and ferocious.
-
In 2018, a blaze east of Athens moved with ferocious speed, killing more than 100 people.
Adjective
-
The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department advised anyone bitten or scratched by a bat or other wild animal to promptly clean the wound with soap and water, then contact a physician or go to the emergency room.
-
And, speaking of wild, each team had a Max Muncy playing third base and batting seventh.
Adjective
-
Most riders understand why the trip costs more on a rainy Friday afternoon than on a quiet Sunday morning; adjusting prices for weather, traffic, or supply is a transparent way to balance a market.
-
The rainy season in South Florida attracts more amphibious jumpers to home yards — and every pet owner should fear one kind.
Adjective
-
The only other competitors were the Anglo-French Concorde and the sporadic Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 program.
-
Redevelopment in downtown Miami and the accidental discovery of the mysterious Miami Circle in 1998 have ushered in a quarter-century of sporadic but remarkable archaeological revelations.
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
