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
Target recently highlighted its ongoing partnership with a group dedicated to Black founders, following a turbulent year marked by backlash, boycotts, and leadership changes.
—
Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
The outlook signals that Intel is on the right track following a turbulent year.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
But his past haunts him, especially his childhood with an alcoholic, emotionally neglectful father (Stephen Graham) and loving but turbulent mother (Gaby Hoffman).
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
O’Brien has also steered the organization with a firm hand through its most turbulent moments, including the pandemic, which, coincidentally became a big turning point in its growth trajectory.
—Katie Abel, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
The outlook signals that Intel is on the right track following a turbulent year.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
But his past haunts him, especially his childhood with an alcoholic, emotionally neglectful father (Stephen Graham) and loving but turbulent mother (Gaby Hoffman).
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
O’Brien has also steered the organization with a firm hand through its most turbulent moments, including the pandemic, which, coincidentally became a big turning point in its growth trajectory.
—Katie Abel, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulent
Adjective
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Once again, the debate in the book is not over whether or not people should be violent.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
23 Oct. 2025
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As a result, many legends are connected to its violent past, and its dungeon, in particular, is said to be haunted by tortured souls.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The advanced energy management system elevates the ride experience, allowing users to push boundaries with confidence—whether tackling steep hills, rough paths, or long-distance adventures.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
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Even so, rough surf and rip currents could spread along the US East Coast next week.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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These are bleak times, and as fans continue to mourn the club’s decline, West Ham’s hierarchy have shifted their focus to the January transfer window.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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As with many of Burton's best films, the real magic is the nuggets of human profundity hidden within the bleak imagery and whimsical comedy.—
Chris Snellgrove,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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It’s been a tumultuous year for the Boston City Council, riding out the Tania Fernandes Anderson corruption scandal and navigating a host of divisions.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
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Garrett’s 2025 has been tumultuous at best.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Andrew Garfield leads the feature that is now in production, portraying the leader of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Oct. 2025
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While there are plenty of realistic iterations featuring ferocious teeth and claws, there are also a wide variety of friendly figurines and plushies.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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There have been no reports of humans contracting Herpes B from a wild rhesus monkey, but 50 cases of humans contracting it from the monkeys in laboratory settings have been reported.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
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Russell is their best option at point guard until Irving returns, and Russell can be a bit of a wild animal.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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On a gray and rainy Sunday morning in October, the Russell Farms in Noblesville was resplendent in color with a wide variety of gourds and pumpkins in just about every shade of orange, yellow, green, white, blue.—
Kelly Wilkinson,
IndyStar,
23 Oct. 2025
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The Kom legend of the exploding lake during the rainy season comes to mind.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The rebound in corporate profitability was largely helped by Beijing’s policies aimed at curtailing fierce price competition across industrial sectors, at a time when deflation in producer prices stretched into its third year.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
27 Oct. 2025
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The eyewall generally produces the fiercest winds and heaviest rainfall, according to Deanna Hence, a professor of climate, meteorology and atmospheric sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.—
NPR,
NPR,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulent. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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