as in upheaval
a state of violence, confusion, and disorder
There was much turbulence in their town after a string of tragedies.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of turbulence
But while there are signs that 2026 could bring further turbulence, not every executive message has been a bleak one.
—
Preston Fore, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
In late 2015, Ariana Grande‘s seemingly frictionless ascendance to all-consuming pop superstardom had finally hit a tiny bit of turbulence.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 25 Dec. 2025
Once Uranus leaves Taurus, the turbulence stops.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025
The flight to gold in moments of market turbulence draws on decades of evidence, according to an analysis co-authored in 2020 by Campbell Harvey, a professor at Duke's Fuqua School of Business who studies commodity prices.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulence
Noun
-
These are among the many questions posed by Simon Morrison’s sprawling biography of place, which seeks to understand a nation through the life of its largest city, tracing Moscow’s evolution via dozens of historical upheavals, from war, famine, drought, and much, much more.—
-
It’s been a big year of upheaval for Allen, who split from ex David Harbour in February, per People.—
Noun
-
During the commotion, the agent’s shaky cellphone video shows houses along the street and views of the sky.—
-
In the heat of the moment, though, Certa was clearly walking after one of the officials, but Shrewsberry came barreling in as the official turned around to see the commotion.—
Noun
-
While the series concluded with its second season in May, Luna opened up to PEOPLE ahead of the 2022 premiere about the excitement of being a part of the Star Wars universe.—
-
Pickleball enthusiasts expressed excitement that indoor courts would be opening but opponents worried other community events that were once held at the site would be forced out like arts and crafts show, roller derby, the Rosie the Riveter festival and Fourth of July celebrations.—
Noun
-
Investigators said the fire was sparked following a domestic disturbance that led a woman to burn her boyfriend’s clothing in a barbecue pit on an apartment patio, FOX26 Houston reported.—
-
The country’s strong standing in safety could stem from several factors, including societal structure, strict laws, and cultural focus on harmony, which keep street crime and public disturbances very low.—
Noun
-
After more than a century of plunder and strife, under tyrants as diverse as King Leopold II of Belgium and Mobutu Sese Seko, the present-day DRC still occupies the dark heart of the continent in much of the world’s imagination.—
-
Located in the Horn of Africa, Somalia is one of the world’s poorest nations and has been beset by chronic strife and insecurity exacerbated by multiple natural disasters, including severe droughts, for decades.—
Noun
-
Another teaches free guitar lessons to keep kids out of trouble.—
-
The first signs of trouble came in the opening minutes of the game.—
Noun
-
Multiple helpers can slow response during urgent scams and create confusion when fast decisions matter.—
-
The category confusion continued this year.—
Noun
-
There could be some relationship turmoil popping up for you now and in the weeks ahead, Gemini.—
-
Amid the turmoil, former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes Burrow is wasting his prime years in Cincinnati.—
Cite this Entry
“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulence. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share