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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.

Even as far back as the autumn, there was a belief internally there would be choppy waters to navigate following a turbulent summer.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The show’s 10th season, which is currently airing, documented their increasingly turbulent partnership.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The 70-year-old US-born pope has so far shown diplomatic caution and has not directly condemned his home country's role in the turbulent Middle East region.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

U.S. special operations forces have devised plans for seizing the nuclear weapons, facilities, and materials of many hostile or turbulent countries.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

The oceans of history are made turbulent by the ever-rising tides of hate.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry