turbulent

[tur-byuh-luhnt]

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

/ ˈtɜːbjʊlənt /

adjective

1. being in a state of turbulence

2. wild or insubordinate; unruly

Other Word Forms

• turbulently adverb
• unturbulent adjective
• unturbulently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of turbulent¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of turbulent¹

C16: from Latin turbulentus , from turba confusion

Example Sentences

After a turbulent period in office so far that perception is under threat like never before.

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Their observations reveal that these early galaxies were far more disorderly and turbulent than the graceful spirals we see across the cosmos today.

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The Centene report comes as insurers deal with a turbulent political environment for the insurers.

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Elsewhere, Paramount Skydance, in the wake of a turbulent merger process, plans to lay off some 1,000 employees this week, with more likely on the way, according to reports on Monday.

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But Anwar would argue he waited 25 years for his turn - a turbulent time in the wings, during which he was jailed twice.

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Related Words

• bitter 
• bumpy 
• choppy 
• fierce 
• rough 
• stormy 
• swirling www.thesaurus.com
• tempestuous 
• unstable 
• violent