turbulence

noun

Definition of turbulencenext
as in upheaval
a state of violence, confusion, and disorder There was much turbulence in their town after a string of tragedies.

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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 The alliance was an early instance of a pattern that would recur any time Japan entered a period of political or economic turbulence. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Much of the turbulence comes by way of the offensive pilot, quarterback Drake Maye. — Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 An Avianca flight heading from Colombia to New York was rocked by turbulence, diverting the plane to Miami on Friday and sending several crew members and passengers to the hospital. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 The seat belt sign was off at the time so some passengers were up and drinks were being served when that plane hit the turbulence. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turbulence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulence
  1. upheaval
  2. commotion
  3. excitement
  4. disturbance
  5. strife
  6. trouble
  7. confusion
  8. turmoil
Noun
  • Political upheaval The prosecutions have unfolded against the backdrop of dramatic changes in relations between Washington and Caracas.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
  • As Japan entered a period of political upheaval in the mid-nineteenth century, criminal gangs became useful in a new way.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of upheaval
Noun
  • In the commotion, she was briefly separated from her 85-year-old mother, who lives with her.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • That allowed passengers to hear the commotion and discover what was happening.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • Lulingu, a Grauer’s gorilla who was reintroduced to Virunga National Park in eastern Congo, is raising a baby after a successful birth, bringing excitement for the conservationists working there.
    — Elodie Toto, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Michael Platt, a professor of marketing, psychology and neuroscience at the Wharton School, says the answer may lie in how the brain responds to risk, excitement and the promise of a big win.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of excitement
Noun
  • And in an unrelated incident on the morning of June 9, 2026, Jackson was arrested after Los Angeles police responded to a domestic disturbance call at his West Hills home late the previous night.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Jacobs was arrested May 26, three days after police officers came to his Wisconsin home to investigate a disturbance.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • Attorney General James Uthmeier is bringing plenty of strife to Discord, the messaging and gaming platform.
    — CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Australia was in strife at 124-6 on day one but his 190 turned the momentum.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of strife
Noun
  • According to a new Guardian poll, 95 percent of Americans think that the United States is in the midst of an affordability crisis with many reporting trouble affording necessities like gas and groceries.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Bell is the latest celebrity to speak out about troubles obtaining SAG-AFTRA health insurance.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of trouble
Noun
  • Election experts have said many instances of noncitizens registering to vote are a result of administrative error or confusion on the part of the immigrant — not intentional criminality.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The confusion unfolded as a steady stream of women’s half-marathon runners crossed the finish line.
    — Vivian Yao, Baltimore Sun, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • In the ensuing political turmoil, health workers went on strike, vaccine orders were delayed and follow-up vaccinations that usually accompany routine programs were disrupted.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Nationwide protests over the high cost of living roiled France on Saturday, adding to turmoil over public spending and debt ahead of a critical vote in the National Assembly.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of turmoil

Browse Nearby Words

turboprops
turbulence
turbulent
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Cite this Entry

“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulence. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on turbulence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about turbulence

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