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turbulent

American  
[tur-byuh-luhnt] / ˈtɜr byə lənt /

adjective

  1. being in a state of agitation or tumult; disturbed.

    turbulent feelings or emotions.

    Synonyms:
    disordered, tempestuous, violent, tumultuous, agitated
  2. characterized by, or showing disturbance, disorder, etc..

    the turbulent years.

  3. given to acts of violence and aggression.

    the turbulent young soldiers.


turbulent British  
/ ˈtɜːbjʊlənt /

adjective

  1. being in a state of turbulence

  2. wild or insubordinate; unruly

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • turbulently adverb
  • unturbulent adjective
  • unturbulently adverb

Etymology

Origin of turbulent

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin turbulentus “restless,” from turb(a) “turmoil” + -ulentus -ulent

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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.

It may recount turbulent times in history—but not retrospectively.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 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

Sales at U.S. retailers bounced back in February after a brief weak spell, suggesting the economy is still expanding at a decent pace despite a turbulent start to the new year.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Minutes passed like hours before he finally recognized himself as the source of the turbulent roar that was overwhelming him.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller