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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.

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Dyche fared little better, although he at least guided Forest out of the Europa League group phase, but the turbulent nature of the season means Pereira must now balance domestic and European goals into May.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Radio observations show the galaxy caught in a turbulent struggle.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 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

I saw that turbulent emotions possessed her, so I asked what I thought would be some sedative questions about her little girl.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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

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