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Definitions

turbulent

[tur-byuh-luhnt] / ˈtɜr byə lənt /
ADJECTIVE
unsettled, raging (referring to weather)
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bitter bumpy choppy fierce rough stormy swirling tempestuous unstable violent
WEAK
agitated blustering blustery boiling coarse confused destructive disordered disturbed foaming furious howling inclement moiling noisy restless riotous roaring ruffled rugged stirred up stormful storming thunderous tremulous tumultuous wild
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm gentle kind mild moderate nice peaceful smooth
WEAK
manageable obedient settled stable
ADJECTIVE
rebellious, unmanageable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bitter chaotic fierce lawless quarrelsome raucous rough rowdy unruly violent
WEAK
agitated anarchic angry boisterous demonstrative destructive disorderly excited fiery foaming insubordinate mutinous obstreperous passionate perturbed rabid rambunctious rampant refractory riotous roughhouse rude seditious shaking stern storming termagant unbridled uncontrolled undisciplined ungovernable untamed uproarious vehement vociferous wild
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreeable calm gentle kind mild moderate nice peaceful quiet
WEAK
manageable obedient settled stable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She said the charity was ready to navigate "these turbulent times", influence policy and create more safe and inclusive places for people to feel safe and thrive.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

“That qualifies in a turbulent environment as good enough for the Fed to cut rates.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

From tackling a turbulent relationship with President Donald Trump to making city buses faster and free, here's where Mamdani stands on several campaign pledges.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Some saw the gains as a sign that investors are now parsing corporate earnings—even as the Strait of Hormuz situation turns more turbulent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Coming into the assembly, where all the people had gathered together, he began first to appease the troublesome and turbulent element among them with obsequious and flattering words.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Vocabulary lists containing turbulent

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 16–19

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"The Great Gatsby," Chapter 1 Vocabulary

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This Week in Words: October 13 – 20, 2018

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!