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 Brontë

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.

Synonyms of turbulent

• violent
• ferocious
• fierce
• furious
• rough
• volcanic

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

Connecting solar burst behavior to turbulent magnetic structures In more complex magnetic environments, such as along coronal loops, the frequency drift of a radio burst can slow, stop, and even reverse direction. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026

From the transformative power of novels to raising a Black son in a turbulent era, Ward offers a deeply moving testament to resilience, storytelling, and the enduring beauty of life. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 2 May 2026

Much like the rest of what’s already been a turbulent season, Orlando has made this playoff series as difficult as possible. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026

Mitchell announced plans to resign from her position as CFO back in February, following a turbulent period for the district that has been marked by school closures and Board resignations. —Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing turbulent

• turbulent flow

Kids 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