1
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity
order was restored to the court after the judge put a stop to the defendant's tempestuous outburst
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2
as in turbulent
marked by sudden or violent disturbance
in terms of social change, the 1960s are generally considered the most tempestuous decade in recent American history
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3
as in rough
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements
we spent a tempestuous night stranded on the summit of the mountain
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4
as in bleak
marked by wet and windy conditions
stay indoors this weekend as the weather promises to be tempestuous
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tempestuous
Jake has a hot temper like a tempestuous Aries and will do anything to get his mother's love and respect, often competing with his two brothers for her attention.
—
Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025
But the relationship was tempestuous from the start.
—Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Relations between the United States and its European allies have proved tempestuous during the first two months of the second Trump administration.
—Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 24 Mar. 2025
There’s a buddy comedy element to Godard’s at times tempestuous relationship with his producer that makes for some of this film’s most trenchant inquiries into the filmmaking mindset.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempestuous
Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025
But the relationship was tempestuous from the start.
—Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Relations between the United States and its European allies have proved tempestuous during the first two months of the second Trump administration.
—Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 24 Mar. 2025
There’s a buddy comedy element to Godard’s at times tempestuous relationship with his producer that makes for some of this film’s most trenchant inquiries into the filmmaking mindset.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempestuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempestuous
Adjective
-
The two got married, had a baby, and started a quiet life together far away from his violent past.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
-
As droves of tourists continue to flock to Spain for European summer vacations, the nation’s emergency responders are dealing with the aftermath of a violent wave of flash flooding in nearly half of the country’s 50 provinces.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
At the tight end position, a turbulent year around him in 2024 didn’t allow for any consistency for Jake Ferguson, especially when factoring in his injuries.—
Nick Harris
July 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 July 2025
-
Chapek’s short and turbulent reign ended in 2022 when Iger returned as CEO.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Most young kids who are just getting used to their animal friends tend to be a little rough with them at first.—
Marilyn La Jeunesse,
Parents,
9 July 2025
-
While a canker sore is forming, that part of your mouth may also tingle, burn or feel rough.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
On the wall behind her, Gauguin has painted glyphs like those discovered on Easter Island, and a masked female figure, ferocious and bare-breasted.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
-
Last time around, the titular Addams Family member, portrayed by Jenna Ortega, saved Nevermore by solving the mystery of the Hyde’s identity and putting a stop to the ferocious creature.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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With so many players in the game, the competition is simultaneously fierce and toothless.—
Todd Fisher,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
Winds, too, were fierce, gusting up to 70 mph at the lakefront, according to the National Weather Service.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
As a result of their negligence, a little boy who lives in the Flats dies, and Sodality is furious.—
Deborah Williams
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
-
Lansing, the first woman to lead a Hollywood studio, was furious.—
Michael Grynbaum,
HollywoodReporter,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
The island chain was (and is still being) formed by a volcanic hot spot that has so far created 15 different volcanoes that stretch 3,800 miles across the Pacific.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
14 July 2025
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Schrodinger basin, a large impact crater near the moon’s south pole, shows evidence of geologically recent volcanic activity.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
Unvaccinated pets represent the greatest risk of rabies exposure to humans and are frequently the link between rabid wildlife and people.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
-
If a pet or livestock animal is bitten by a rabid animal, the owner should immediately call a veterinarian, who is legally obligated to report it to the proper health authorities.—
Marina Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tempestuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempestuous. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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