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 story of their tempestuous affair is told in the new movie Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Angelina Jolie as the famous soprano.
—
Liz McNeil, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024
The tempestuous few weeks in transatlantic relations threw another wrench into Trump and Macron's already complicated dynamic, due in large part to the stark contrast in their views surrounding NATO, trade and the U.S. and Europe's role in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Harry’s legal battles Harry’s tempestuous history with the British tabloid press is well documented.
—Lauren Kent, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
Rather than the tempestuous rebellion found in romance novels or the gentle obstacles that heighten the pleasure of rom-coms, this new vision of love promises perfect compatibility and unwavering support.
—Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempestuous
Liz McNeil, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024
The tempestuous few weeks in transatlantic relations threw another wrench into Trump and Macron's already complicated dynamic, due in large part to the stark contrast in their views surrounding NATO, trade and the U.S. and Europe's role in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Harry’s legal battles Harry’s tempestuous history with the British tabloid press is well documented.
—Lauren Kent, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
Rather than the tempestuous rebellion found in romance novels or the gentle obstacles that heighten the pleasure of rom-coms, this new vision of love promises perfect compatibility and unwavering support.
—Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempestuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempestuous
Adjective
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While confronting their violent history, a brutal bar fight and deadly feud reignites between Thomas, Ben, and the notorious Five Points Gang.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
5 Mar. 2025
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That career has been highlighted by some of the most violent fights in MMA history.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The 1999 killing Syed and Lee both attended Woodlawn High School and had dated, broken up, reunited and broken up again in a relationship an appeals court described as turbulent.—
Chloe Atkins,
NBC News,
27 Feb. 2025
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His childhood was turbulent—his parents' frequent fights sometimes turned physical, with his father directing his frustrations at young Gene.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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While New York City as a whole is safer than most other metropolises, pockets of especially rough neighborhoods are unsafe, particularly for young men.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
27 Feb. 2025
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Known for his rough and tumble roles, the two-time Oscar winner died Feb. 26, 2025.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Jones, still vigorous at seventy-two, moves through space with ferocious intent while conjuring stories from the past: early dance sensations, tense interactions with the legendary Ailey, and clashes with critics who tried to box him in as a Black artist.—
Shauna Lyon,
The New Yorker,
28 Feb. 2025
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Friction point: Community groups like the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and Franklin Park Defenders have been ferocious in opposing the revamp, questioning the cost, traffic and the loss of a public asset to a private interest.—
Mike Deehan,
Axios,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The bill has been met with both fierce opposition and staunch support from students, professors and community members across the state.—
Amanda McCard,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2025
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With Zverev looking to cement his dominance, Alcaraz aiming for a repeat title, and Fritz eager to defend home soil, the competition will be fierce from day one.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But the impact goes far beyond playful patriotism — Canadians are furious.—
Kaleigh Rogers,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2025
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Mugler was furious, and the two didn’t speak for several years, eventually reconciling in the 1990s.—
Joelle Diderich,
WWD,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Buy Now on Amazon innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask Get ready for a serious detox with this volcanic clay mask straight from Jeju Island.—
Maria Correa,
Miami Herald,
3 Mar. 2025
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Firefly touched down inside its 100-meter (330-foot) target zone in Mare Crisium near a volcanic dome named Mons Latreille, which has sat dormant for billions of years after volcanic activity ceased on the Moon.—
Tim Stevens,
Ars Technica,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But the rabid fans were left disappointed as Lahore’s temperamental weather spoiled the party and ended what had been an engrossing match.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
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West should be ostracized for his rabid antisemitism.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tempestuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempestuous. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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