convulse

Synonym Chooser

How is the word convulse different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of convulse are agitate, rock, and shake. While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm.

spectators were convulsed with laughter

In what contexts can agitate take the place of convulse?

The synonyms agitate and convulse are sometimes interchangeable, but agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring.

an ocean agitated by storms

When could rock be used to replace convulse?

In some situations, the words rock and convulse are roughly equivalent. However, rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval.

the whole city was rocked by the explosion

Where would shake be a reasonable alternative to convulse?

While the synonyms shake and convulse are close in meaning, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose.

shake well before using

Example 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 convulse Taiwan’s new president calls for peace amid tenuous relations with China At the time, China was convulsed by civil war. Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025 His long gray beard flows in convulsing waves to his shoulders. Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025 Three times in the modern era, the world has been convulsed by fights over the supercontinent and the waters around it. Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 But Danielle was literally convulsing on the floor as you were banished. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for convulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulse
Verb
  • In contrast, Dutton struggled to shake off comparisons to Trump by his opponents, not just because some policies appeared to have been inspired by the US leader.
    Hilary Whiteman and Angus Watson, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • The duo was also spotted shaking hands at the kickoff of the three-day celebration in another photo.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • So ingrained is the fixation with speed that generations of U.S. military commanders have learned to shudder at the mention of attritional warfare, embracing decisive maneuver as the route to quick victories.
    Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Old Thunderbird shuddered under the force of the impact and then fell over onto his side.
    Thomas Weddle, Outdoor Life, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In order to sense something, some part of us has to physically vibrate with it.
    Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The back of the phone even vibrated slightly with the beat.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Confused Lochlan, who thoughtfully jerked off his older brother so that Saxon wouldn’t feel left out.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
  • No bobbing, no jerking awake 40 times mid-flight with your mouth open and your neck tweaked.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many episodes later, as Dedra suffers a crushing setback, Gough performs her attempts to choke back tears and still her trembling hands with an almost violent desperation.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Lydia, who – based on her trembling lips – seems to be in poor health, continues to plead with Lawrence.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There’s quivering and shoving, growling and purring.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The journalist raised her hand, and her voice quivered in seeming alarm as the 6.2-magnitude quake shook Istanbul shortly before 1 p.m. local time on Wednesday, April 23.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulse. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on convulse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!