CONVULSIVE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'convulsive' contrast with its synonyms?

The words fitful and spasmodic are common synonyms of convulsive . While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement. // convulsive shocks

Q: Where would 'fitful' be a reasonable alternative to 'convulsive'?

Although the words fitful and convulsive have much in common, fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings. // fitful sleep

Q: How do 'spasmodic' and 'fitful' relate to one another, in the sense of 'convulsive'?

Spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity. // spasmodic growth

convulsive

adjective

kən-ˈvəl-siv

Definition of convulsive next

as in turbulent

marked by sudden or violent disturbance the assassination of Martin Luther King was one of the most convulsive events of the 1960s

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in violent

marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity after a day of convulsive trading, the stock market was down 300 points

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective convulsive contrast with its synonyms?

The words fitful and spasmodic are common synonyms of convulsive. While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

Where would fitful be a reasonable alternative to convulsive?

Although the words fitful and convulsive have much in common, fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

How do spasmodic and fitful relate to one another, in the sense of convulsive?

Spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.

spasmodic growth

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 convulsive During the convulsive phase of a seizure, breathing may be intermittent. —

Jacob Pellinen, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2024 But remember: Not all seizures are convulsive or cause a loss of consciousness. —

Jacob Pellinen, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2024 But the sight of him in it reduces his mother to convulsive sobs. —

Colin Thubron, The New York Review of Books, 19 Jan. 2023 The third anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack comes during the most convulsive period in American politics in at least a generation, with Congress barely able to keep up with the basics of governing, and the start of the presidential nominating contests just over a week away. —

Lisa Mascaro, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convulsive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulsive

Adjective

The special finds Iglesias in his 27th year in comedy, reminiscing on the perils of life: from dating, to home break-ins, to turbulent plane rides.

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024
These winds can cause significant damage, increase the frequency of wildfires, and make firefighting efforts more challenging, while also posing aviation hazards and creating turbulent surf conditions.

Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024