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.

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turbulent British  

/ ˈtɜːbjʊlənt /

adjective

1. being in a state of turbulence

2. wild or insubordinate; unruly

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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

Compare meaning

How does turbulent compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• assertive vs. turbulent

Example Sentences

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

The 70-year-old US-born pope has so far shown diplomatic caution and has not directly condemned his home country's role in the turbulent Middle East region.

From Barron's

It is important to remember that royal visits have regularly taken place when the political mood is turbulent.

From BBC

Leaders and troops have prayed "during the most turbulent times in our nation's history, and if you talk to many servicemembers they will tell you they appreciate the prayers," she added.

From Barron's

Pontormo wasn’t painting in a vacuum, and his decision to shake up artistic conventions may also reflect the turbulent politics, local and liturgical, of his times.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bitter
• bumpy
• choppy
• fierce
• rough
• stormy
• swirling
• tempestuous
• unstable
• violent