What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
turbid
Example
The river was turbid after the heavy rain. [turbid: adjective]
Example
The turbid water made it difficult to see the fish swimming below. [turbid: adjective]
murky
Example
The murky depths of the lake made it hard to see anything. [murky: adjective]
Example
The details of the case were still murky and unclear. [murky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Murky is more commonly used than turbid in everyday language. Murky is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while turbid is less common and is typically used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between turbid and murky?
Turbid is more formal than murky, as it is often used in scientific or technical writing. Murky is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.