TURBULENCE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

turbulence

noun

Definition of turbulence

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 Now, 10 years to the day after the Brexit vote and with six prime ministers having been felled by economic and political turbulence, the country once again looks to a new leader — and back to the crucible that helped set it on this torrid journey. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 23 June 2026 Social Security has faced a financial shortfall before, when in the early 1980s its trust funds were on the brink of insolvency due to economic turbulence over the previous decade. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 22 June 2026 Although the context of their tenures could not be more different, there are five key lessons to be learned from Greenspan’s legacy, which could potentially elevate Warsh’s leadership at the Fed during the current economic and geopolitical turbulence. — Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The complaint claims prior to departure, forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS) indicated turbulence would be present above the mountains east of Salt Lake City. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for turbulence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turbulence

Noun

Was came from a working-class industrial city, making music reflective of Detroit’s technological upheaval and economic neglect.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Unlike larger corporate counterparts, SMEs don't always have the financial reserves to comfortably absorb geopolitical upheaval and rapid inflation.

— Rupert Lee-Browne, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of upheaval

Noun

Once the excitement had died down, the team gathered in a circle and a player went up to Haaland, grabbed the back of his neck and kissed his cheek.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
At a time when demand for new electric vehicles is cooling and cars are getting harder to afford, EV company Slate Auto has made a customizable truck that could bring a fresh wave of excitement to the industry.

— Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of excitement

Noun

Even tiny electromagnetic disturbances can disrupt the quantum states that perform calculations, reducing the accuracy and reliability of the system.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
However, about 15 minutes into the flight, a pilot reported a passenger disturbance to air traffic control.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Definition of disturbance

Noun

When her parents — the wonderful June Diane Raphael and Tom Everett Scott — fall into professional reputational strife, the family is forced to relocate to Seattle to rebuild their lives.

— Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026
But labor strife here is spilling off of the docks and into City Hall, with political implications for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, himself a former labor organizer who is expected to run for reelection in less than a year.

— Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of strife

Noun

With just four months to go until Election Day, the House is having trouble with the basics of legislating – let alone moving the typical election-year messaging bills meant to drive up voter turnout.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
After Medina got into trouble with a Max Muncy double and Kyle Tucker walk — Tucker’s fourth of the game — Harris entered the game with two outs and struck out Tommy Edman to end the inning.

— Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of trouble

Noun

Even though talks with the Boston Red Sox at last year’s deadline never got close, the confusion provided by an incorrect tweet announcing Ryan’s trade to New England put the pitcher at the top of every trade list before the season even began.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
There have been confusion and contradictions in the lead up to the visit over accommodation arrangements for the Sussex family.

— Max Foster, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of confusion

Noun

The landlocked mineral-rich nation is facing one of its deepest political crises in decades as economic turmoil, nationwide protests and a battle over the country’s future threaten to reshape the balance of power in South America.

— Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Political turmoil intensifies as resignations, Russia’s rising threat and pressure from a skeptical United States leave Britain’s next leader to prove the plan can truly safeguard Europe.

— Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of turmoil

Browse Nearby Words

turboprops

turbulence

turbulent

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“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turbulence. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of turbulence

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