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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paroxysm
Preparing a tax return can trigger paroxysms of stress at the best of times.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Also, stars in this frenzied state aren’t terribly stable; the fusion rate can be tempestuous, and the star undergoes incredibly violent paroxysms.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026
The post is now nearing a hundred million views and inspiring paroxysms of millennial self-reckoning.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2025
Wilson’s idealistic vision of a new U.S. role in the world collapsed in a paroxysm of partisanship.
—Charles A. Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Also, stars in this frenzied state aren’t terribly stable; the fusion rate can be tempestuous, and the star undergoes incredibly violent paroxysms.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026
The post is now nearing a hundred million views and inspiring paroxysms of millennial self-reckoning.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2025
Wilson’s idealistic vision of a new U.S. role in the world collapsed in a paroxysm of partisanship.
—Charles A. Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysm
Noun
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The larger and more immediate risk came from the possible explosion.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
The chemical behind the explosion — ammonium nitrate — is not regulated under RMP.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
Noun
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The rule, adopted before the 2020 season but not implemented until this year due to the upheavals caused by the coronavirus pandemic, states that a team cannot use a position player on the mound unless there is a difference of six or more runs between the two teams.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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Jennifer Garner is unpacking the 'upheaval' in family life that came from her 2015 split from ex-husband Ben Affleck.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Tyler Freeman tacked on an RBI single and Goodman capped the outburst with his 14th homer — a three-run drive over the left-field wall.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
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The outburst completely erased the five-run deficit and gave KU a 6-5 lead.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
1 June 2026
Noun
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Madonna has made music through various calamities that at the time felt world-ending — wars, political unrest, financial collapse — so the terrors of 2026 don’t seem to faze her.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
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But its popularity didn’t spread beyond the northern Spanish city until the domestic unrest that had blighted the Basque region dissipated in the 2010s.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
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Eventually, the blister bursts, releasing uranium hydride powder and exposing fresh metal that accelerates the reaction.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
31 May 2026
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The record shows bursts of three to five sessions a week broken by long gaps.—
Paul Baier,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
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The backstory Before there was a hotel, there was a revolution.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Said grew up in Iran in the decade and a half before the 1979 revolution and left for America shortly after it.—
Bozorgmehr Sharafedin,
The Atlantic,
1 June 2026
Noun
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While the meteor caused an eruption across Massachusetts, it was seen falling in nearby states before the explosion.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
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Seeley drove in Allen for a 9-0 lead with a single, and Arzuaga ended the eruption with a two-run double.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
Noun
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In the 1850s and 1860s, the partisan press in the United States helped stoke the political convulsions that led to the Civil War.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 May 2026
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Less than 1% will contract West Nile neuroinvasive disease, a more serious neurological illness that causes tremors, convulsions, neck stiffness, disorientation, paralysis and even death.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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