1
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling
a paroxysm of laughter greeted the pratfall
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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.
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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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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
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Brunson’s explosion was a masterclass in resilience.Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Leaders grappling with technological upheaval, political change, economic uncertainty, and shifting societal norms may be tempted to seek novel solutions.Gena Cox, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
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It shouldn't just be reserved for stunts and for emotional upheavals.EW.com, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Crosby continued his nearly 20-year assault on the Philadelphia Flyers with a 4-point outburst as the Penguins rolled to a 7-3 victory at PPG Paints Arena in their final game before the Christmas break.Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
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This can lead to some awkward outbursts and odd stares in the U.S., but, in the Philippines, that’s just the way life is.Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Make sure your travel insurance covers safety problems Look for comprehensive coverage that includes trip cancellation, medical evacuation and protection against natural disasters and political unrest.Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
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The legislation easily passed by a vote of 281-140. Senate Republican leaders argued that its 1% increase for defense spending was not enough, especially at a time of global unrest and challenges to American dominance.Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The most mentally strong people lean on these five mantras, which can provide little bursts of resilience and create sparks of happiness. 1.Scott Mautz, Contributor, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2024
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Solar flares are intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation from sunspots on the sun.Jamie Carter, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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To be part of that revolution was really fascinating.Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
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Their romance caused something of a revolution in those days, being dubbed Bennifer.Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The seasons of the Sun 🌿☀️🍂❄️ Just as Earth has seasons, our Sun moves from times of frequent eruptions to stretches of relative quiescence.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
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These displays are the result of eruptions of electromagnetic radiation, or solar flares, and bubbles of plasma that often burst along with those flares, or coronal mass ejections.Ty Roush, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Common symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024
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Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions and diarrhea, the CDC said.Joe Kottke, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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