1
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling
a paroxysm of laughter greeted the pratfall
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in upheaval
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
Darwin's introduction of the theory of evolution created paroxysms in both religion and science that are still being felt today
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Recent Examples of paroxysm
One to two weeks after the first symptoms start, people may develop paroxysms, or coughing fits, that usually last one to six weeks but can last up to 10 weeks.
—
Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 5 June 2024
This confession sends O’Brien into paroxysms of rage, and ends with a surreal conclusion that is pretty, pretty good.
—Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
In interviews with a dozen survivors across Rwanda in the two days preceding the commemoration on Sunday, many spoke about the paroxysm of violence that gripped this lush, landlocked nation.
—Abdi Latif Dahir, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2024
In the end, the edifice of peace that so many had labored so hard to construct was consumed in a paroxysm of violence as the Palestinians launched another, more intense uprising and the Israelis expanded their occupation of the West Bank.
—Martin Indyk, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paroxysm 
Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 5 June 2024
This confession sends O’Brien into paroxysms of rage, and ends with a surreal conclusion that is pretty, pretty good.
—Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
In interviews with a dozen survivors across Rwanda in the two days preceding the commemoration on Sunday, many spoke about the paroxysm of violence that gripped this lush, landlocked nation.
—Abdi Latif Dahir, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2024
In the end, the edifice of peace that so many had labored so hard to construct was consumed in a paroxysm of violence as the Palestinians launched another, more intense uprising and the Israelis expanded their occupation of the West Bank.
—Martin Indyk, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paroxysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysm
Noun
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While the fiery explosion is enough to make Emily and Matt believe that Chuck is dead, her ex-boyfriend and fellow agent Baron (Scott) believes otherwise.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
22 Jan. 2025
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That 17-point explosion in the fourth quarter was the on-court highlight.—
William Guillory,
The Athletic,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Read: The GoFundMe fires In moments of tragedy or upheaval, not all Angelenos can take their freedom of mobility for granted, in part because of how Southern California infrastructure has developed over the past century.—
Hannah Giorgis,
The Atlantic,
24 Jan. 2025
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Ten years later, the music industry would experience upheaval of its own, with the internet beginning its ascent as the primary source for music consumption, soon cratering sales of recorded music amidst the rise of online file sharing and streaming.—
Jim Ryan,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Page Six reported that the 58-year-old television chef had an outburst on Thursday, January 16, while shopping at Eataly NYC Downtown.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
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There have been more signs of progress over the last two weeks — Edwards scored 41 points thanks to a fourth-quarter outburst Monday in Washington — but consistency has yet to be achieved.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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After a term marked by civil unrest, incompetence, moral and ethical failures, conspiracy theories, extremism, mismanaging COVID, and overseeing Republican losses in the House and the Senate, America was decidedly tired of Trump’s ineptitude and self-destructiveness.—
S.E. Cupp,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2025
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But unlike when Trump helped spark a mob of his supporters to attack the Capitol and tried to retain power in 2021 after his loss to Democrat Joe Biden, officials are not expecting massive protests, unrest or violence.—
Will Weissert,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Boston is bracing for snow late this weekend as a burst of Arctic air drops temperatures into the teens.—
Rachel Dobkin,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
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It was inspired by the neon colors of neon light artist James Turrell, adding bright bursts of pink and orange to their belts.—
Nadja Sayej,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Its parent company, Ocean Approved, launched this consumer brand in 2019 and is leading a quiet, underwater revolution in American agriculture.—
Heide Brandes,
thehustle.co,
24 Jan. 2025
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Since no one else is abandoning the renewable energy revolution, the rest of the world will now look to China to help meet that demand.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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One possible scenario is an eruption outside of the volcano's caldera—the circular depression that forms a crater at a volcanic summit—as happened in the 2014 eruption.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
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Plus, scientists are still studying the effects of events like the January 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption, which introduced vast quantities of water vapor and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Widespread abuse can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, convulsions, strokes and death.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
28 Dec. 2024
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Abuse can lead to irregular heartbeat, ischemic heart conditions, sudden cardiac arrest, convulsions, strokes and death.—
Aliza Chasan,
CBS News,
25 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near paroxysm
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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