turbulent
adjective
tur·bu·lent
ˈtər-byə-lənt 
1
a
: exhibiting physical turbulence
turbulent air
b
: characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous
a turbulent marriage
2
: causing unrest, violence, or disturbance
a set of mischievous, turbulent rebels—
Anne Brönte
Anne Brönte
turbulently
adverb
Did you know?
Some people lead turbulent lives, and some are constantly in the grip of turbulent emotions. The late 1960s are remembered as turbulent years of social revolution in America and Europe. Often the captain of an airplane will warn passengers to fasten their seatbelts because of upper-air turbulence, which can make for a bumpy ride. El Niño, a seasonal current of warm water in the Pacific Ocean, may create turbulence in the winds across the United States, affecting patterns of rainfall and temperature as well.
Examples of turbulent in a Sentence
Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize.
The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.
Recent Examples on the Web
Wander the ruins of Cristóvão de Moura’s palace, a poignant echo of Portugal’s turbulent entanglement with Spanish rule.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
All died in the turbulent waters of Lake Michigan while vacationing in South Haven, where public outrage over the lack of lifeguards has been building.
—Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
Oil prices in Russia remain below government targets, according to Reuters, adding pressure on an already turbulent wartime economy.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
With aging Brother Dusk (Terrance Mann) about to become a pile of ash and Brother Dawn (Cassian Bilton) on the cusp of being elevated to Brother Day, these are turbulent times.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
All died in the turbulent waters of Lake Michigan while vacationing in South Haven, where public outrage over the lack of lifeguards has been building.
—Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
Oil prices in Russia remain below government targets, according to Reuters, adding pressure on an already turbulent wartime economy.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
With aging Brother Dusk (Terrance Mann) about to become a pile of ash and Brother Dawn (Cassian Bilton) on the cusp of being elevated to Brother Day, these are turbulent times.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulent. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
turbulent
adjective
tur·bu·lent
ˈtər-byə-lənt
: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance
a turbulent relationship
turbulently
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share