Synonyms for

Turbulence

Verb / ˈtɜ:bjʌlʌns / Another word for turbulence — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a state of violent or unsteady movement of air or water, or of some other fluid.

Synonyms & similar words

upheaval sturmunddrang turbulency disturbance commotion disorder unrest tumult uproar agitation chaos disruption instability irregularity fluctuation uneasiness upheaval restlessness ferment storm tempestuousness whirlwind tornado

Synonyms by register

Formal

instability disruption agitation commotion

Informal

chaos mess ruckus kerfuffle

Literary

maelstrom tempest upheaval

Antonyms

calmness stillness peace serenity tranquility smoothness

Common collocations

  • air turbulence
  • severe turbulence
  • moderate turbulence
  • clear air turbulence
  • turbulence in the market
  • political turbulence
  • economic turbulence
  • avoid turbulence

Word family

noun turbulence
adjective turbulent

Usage note

Primarily used to describe irregular motion in fluids (air or water) or unstable situations. Can also refer to a state of disorder or confusion.

Example sentences

  1. The turbulence on the plane made me feel sick.
  2. The boat was tossed around in the turbulence of the storm.
  3. The turbulence in the water made it hard to swim.
  4. The stock market experienced turbulence after the announcement.
  5. The turbulence in the classroom made it hard to concentrate.

Quotes

  • Chaos often breeds life, when order breeds habit. - Henry Adams
  • In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity. - Sun Tzu
  • There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period. - Brene Brown

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