storm 1 of 2

1
as in thunderstorm
a disturbance of the atmosphere accompanied by wind and often by precipitation (as rain or snow) a winter storm bringing about six inches of snow

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2
as in barrage
a heavy fall of objects police had to endure a storm of rocks and bricks hurled by the rioters

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3
4
5
as in rain
a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity the storm caused major damage to our barn

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6
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling a storm of indignation and demands for his resignation arose when the mayor's dishonesty was exposed

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7

storm

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to rain
to fall as water in a continuous stream of drops from the clouds it storms so frequently up in the mountains that the peaks are rarely visible from the valley below

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3
4
as in to steam
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger by the time we arrived, our hostess was storming because dinner was ruined

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb storm contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of storm are assail, assault, attack, and bombard. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

When might assail be a better fit than storm?

While in some cases nearly identical to storm, assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

Where would assault be a reasonable alternative to storm?

In some situations, the words assault and storm are roughly equivalent. However, assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When would attack be a good substitute for storm?

The words attack and storm can be used in similar contexts, but attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When can bombard be used instead of storm?

The words bombard and storm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

Examples 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 storm
Noun
This same storm complex will reach the Southeast on Sunday, leading to a severe threat there as well, although it is expected to be far less extreme than Saturday will be. Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 28 Dec. 2024 Winter storm warnings and advisories are in place across multiple states, with widespread high winds and freezing temperatures expected and forecasters predicting up to 40 inches of snow in some areas of Wyoming. Emma Marsden, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024
Verb
Gi-hun and Jung-bae, having fallen just shy of storming the control room, also surrender — to the masked Front Man, who comes marching down the stairs flanked by guards. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 27 Dec. 2024 Back in March, at the beginning of season seven, Angela Bassett thwarted a crew of heavily armed pirates who stormed her honeymoon cruise as the boat was headed toward a hurricane. Brian Grubb, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for storm 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for storm
Noun
  • The center has designed a calming rain room where soothing thunderstorm sounds allow one to achieve deep meditation.
    Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
  • The National Weather Service office in Birmingham, Alabama, issued overnight severe thunderstorm warnings for several areas in the southern part of the state, advising residents to seek shelter to avoid possible damaging winds up to 60 mph.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Hingham followed a barrage on Archies goalie Sean Velozo (19 saves) at the end of the first with a Robert Dixon goal two minutes into the second period to tie it, only for sophomore Jack Healy to retake a 3-2 lead for the Bishops about a minute later.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Amid the barrage of insults and smack talk were temporary moments of rapprochement between the 39th and the 45th presidents.
    Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • On tap are a flurry of moon landing attempts, high-profile test launches of SpaceX's Starship megarocket, human spaceflight adventures and asteroid sampling missions.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Three goals in a flurry of 14 first-half minutes in east London was the latest example of Liverpool putting games to bed by scoring in quick succession.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • For all the commotion around Arsenal’s set-plays, it’s been forgotten that Everton are actually pretty good at them too.
    Oli Gamp, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Trading Range for the 10-Year Treasury Yield For all the recent commotion, the 10-year Treasury yield bounces between 3.3% and 5%, with an even narrower 3.6% to 4.7% range recently.
    Brett Owens, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • San Francisco’s defense did a good job of putting the wraps on that Rams offense in the rain.
    Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Because rain is scarce in Botswana, it’s considered to be a valuable blessing, making the name a poignant choice.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • According to a report from KPTV, the sudden explosion occurred inside a food truck owned by 4 Caminos Authentic Mexican Food in the downtown area of Vancouver, Wash., on Sunday, Dec. 15.
    Gil Macias, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Brunson’s explosion was a masterclass in resilience.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The move, which lasted only hours, has sparked weeks of political upheaval, disrupted high-level diplomatic efforts and unsettled financial markets.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
  • As the city experienced upheaval and financial duress throughout the 1970s, Dolan set his sights on the booming suburbs.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • To the north, fierce urban battles are raging in Chasiv Yar and Toretsk, towns that have long stood as the barricades holding back direct Russian assaults on the agglomeration of the major cities at the heart of the Donetsk region.
    Marc Santora, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Inflation, pre-Volcker, raged simultaneously with recession, something liberal economists said could not happen.
    The Editors, National Review, 29 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near storm

Cite this Entry

“Storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/storm. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.

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