Definition

Noun: 1. Agitated or turbulent water, especially on the sea: This term refers to water, most commonly the sea, that is in a state of disturbance, characterized by large, choppy waves and a turbulent surface, typically caused by strong winds or stormy weather.

Usage

The term "rough water" is a noun phrase used to describe a specific condition of a body of water. It is most frequently applied to seas and oceans but can also describe turbulent conditions on large lakes or rivers. It is often used in contexts related to sailing, navigation, weather reports, and descriptions of natural conditions.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The small boat struggled to navigate the rough water.
  • The captain warned the passengers about the rough water ahead.
  • After the storm passed, the rough water gradually calmed.

Advanced Usage

• "to encounter rough water": To experience or meet with turbulent sea conditions.
  • The ferry encountered rough water halfway through the crossing.
• "in rough water": The state of being amidst turbulent waves.
  • Swimming is dangerous in rough water.

Variants and Related Words

• Rough seas (noun phrase): A very common synonym, specifically for oceanic conditions.
  • The forecast predicts rough seas for the next 48 hours.

Synonyms

• Choppy water: Water covered with many small, broken waves.
• Heavy seas: A term emphasizing large, powerful waves.
• Turbulent water: Water characterized by irregular, chaotic motion.

Antonyms

• Calm water: Water that is still and smooth.
• Smooth seas: Sea conditions with little or no wave activity.
• Flat calm: An absence of waves; a perfectly smooth water surface.

Related Phrases

• White water (noun phrase): Specifically refers to frothy, aerated, and violently turbulent water, as found in rapids.
  • The rafting trip included several sections of intense white water.

Noun

1. used of the sea during inclement or stormy weather