Search Dictionary
Definition of turbulent

turbulent

/ˈtɝː.bjə.lənt/
tur · bu · lent
Adverb:turbulently
JUMP TO:

turbulent Lexical Profile

turbulent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable or calm.

Example

"The country's turbulent political history has made long-term economic planning difficult."

2

(Of air or water) moving unsteadily or violently; characterized by irregular fluctuations in flow, pressure, and velocity.

Example

"The kayakers navigated carefully through the turbulent waters at the base of the canyon."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for turbulent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for turbulent

Word Nuance & Usage

'Turbulent' is frequently compared with 'turbid', which shares the same Latin root; however, 'turbulent' describes violent agitation, disorder, or unsteady motion, whereas 'turbid' primarily describes liquids that are cloudy, muddy, or opaque with suspended sediment.

• Rhymes for turbulent

• Nearby Words

turbojet
turbot
turbulence
turbulent
turbulently
turd
turf

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French 'turbulent' and directly from Latin 'turbulentus' ('full of commotion, stormy, restless'), derived from 'turba' meaning 'turmoil, uproar, or crowd'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Turbulent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/turbulent
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.