TURBULENT Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

turbulent

adjective

ˈtər-byə-lənt

Definition of turbulent

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bleak

marked by wet and windy conditions expect turbulent weather as the cold front brings rain and sleet

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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 Europe’s physical retail sector has weathered a turbulent stretch, including the shutdown of stores during the pandemic and the rise of online shopping. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 Rather than wait on a turbulent regulatory environment that included FDA layoffs and bureaucratic instability, Nathan ran clinical and regulatory de-risking simultaneously. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Main character Nora Chesnow reflects on her turbulent teenage years while navigating a surprise pregnancy. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 While promoting her memoir in May 2026, Panettiere also shared a journal entry regarding her turbulent relationship with Hickerson during an appearance on the Jay Shetty Podcast. — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turbulent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent

Adjective

Their arrival comes during a violent week in Haiti; at least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped, according to Haitian officials.

— Nathan Lee, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Karilyn Orr, an internal safety and prevention specialist in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and Nick Jakubisin, a special agent in the Illinois State Police’s violent crimes unit, joined Hills in the presentation.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of violent

Adjective

Other downsides to sulfates include leaving hair feeling dry, brittle, and rough, which Trisler says can be even more damaging if your hair is already compromised.

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
Hsu’s argument for why the near-monochrome restaurant doesn’t go flat is that the palette itself runs on tension, with the statement-making veined marble behind the point-of-sale area set against rough plaster walls.

— Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of rough

Adjective

Although the news may be bleak for the dinner's thousands of supporters, the committee also shared a glimmer of hope.

— Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Aug. 2026
In many ways, her life feels like a bleak look at the false promise of placing all of your need for validation in your husband.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of bleak

Adjective

His appointment comes as Iglesias prepares to exit after a somewhat tumultuous time in City Hall.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
The book braids three distinct narratives of three generations of women living in Barcelona, all named Ramona, from the late nineteenth century, through the Spanish Civil War, and into the politically tumultuous 1960s.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of tumultuous

Adjective

That was the last time Tamang saw Yangri, who was whisked away by ferocious flash floods that ripped through this part of the Himalayan nation earlier this week.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
The run game of Agoura is ferocious and experienced, but Westlake’s QB play is better.

— Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Adjective

The surging Phillies moved into a tie for the first NL wild-card position entering Monday, though the Cubs hold the season series tiebreaker over Philadelphia.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
San Diego leads Arizona by a half-game in the race for the National League’s final wild-card spot.

— Dennis Lin, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of wild

Adjective

After a cooler and rainy weekend, things are going to heat up for central Iowa, with heat indices in Des Moines reaching as high as 102 degrees over the next week, according to the National Weather Service.

— Isabelle Foland, Des Moines Register, 30 Aug. 2026
Local authorities would rope together timber logs for a makeshift bridge, but in the rainy season, the logs would grow slippery and floods would wash them away.

— Fatma Tanis, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of rainy

Adjective

Bahrain and Kuwait, which have continued to face sporadic Iranian attacks, will have the lowest staffing of the Gulf embassies, with three-quarters of Foreign Service members returning.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Attacks on Kenscoff have escalated The first major attack on Kenscoff occurred in January 2025, and since then, there have been sporadic attacks in the mountains surrounding the city center.

— Pierre-Richard Luxama, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of sporadic

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turbulence

turbulent

turbulently

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“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of turbulent

adjective

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