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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paroxysm
The prologue might end with a paroxysm of violence, but first there are a few timid whimpers of nascent pleasure; Bill Skarsgård’s base and primal Count Orlok is a nightmare who arrives on the wings of a nocturnal emission.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2024
Many of the young men peeling away from the Democrats came of age during in the social paroxysms of recent years: #MeToo, DEI, online cancellations—cultural changes that some men interpreted as hostile to them.
—Charlotte Alter, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024
For Fu, a 24-year-old graduate student in Beijing, this month’s paroxysms don’t change much on the ground.
—Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2024
Many of the young men peeling away from the Democrats came of age during in the social paroxysms of recent years: #MeToo, DEI, online cancellations—cultural changes that some men interpreted as hostile to them.
—Charlotte Alter, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024
For Fu, a 24-year-old graduate student in Beijing, this month’s paroxysms don’t change much on the ground.
—Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysm
Noun
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From Ediacaran Precursors To The Cambrian Explosion The discovery and classification of Dickinsonia have had profound implications for our understanding of the Cambrian explosion.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the Travis County Fire Marshal.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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She's recently had to cope with a considerable amount of upheaval due to the work being done on the property.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
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Kevin Lamarque | Reuters Wall Street banks just posted their biggest-ever haul from stock trading as the opening months of President Donald Trump’s tenure led to upheavals across asset classes — and the need for institutional investors around the world to position themselves for a new regime.—
Hugh Son,
CNBC,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In some cases, the person may exhibit sudden emotional outbursts or changes in temperament.—
Brigid Dwyer,
Verywell Health,
15 Apr. 2025
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The seven-goal outburst on Saturday vs. Washington gives the Jackets 254 goals.—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Haiti has for several years been under a Level 4 Do Not Travel warning from the U.S. State Department, citing kidnappings, crime, civil unrest and limited healthcare.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2025
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Geopolitical unrest: Will global conflicts reshape your supply chain?—
Guy Courtin,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The transformed Hidden Jungle aviary bursts with hundreds of butterflies each spring, attracting butterfly enthusiasts from across the region.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
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An 8-year-old Utah boy jumping on a trampoline miraculously survived after a strong wind burst sent him several feet into the air.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Scully, Sand, and the Brotherhood were determined to flood the market, bringing the price of revolution back down to earth.—
John Semley,
Rolling Stone,
19 Apr. 2025
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The real revolution in the space economy isn't rockets.—
Reema Khan,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The most recent eruption of this volcano was in 2005.—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
3 Apr. 2025
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Mars contains volcanic plains formed by past eruptions and inactive shield volcanoes that are much more massive than Earth’s volcanoes; Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the entire Solar System, stands at about 2.5 times the height of Mt. Everest.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Those younger than a year old can develop apnea (potentially deadly pauses in breathing), pneumonia, convulsions and encephalopathy (brain disease).—
Tanya Lewis,
Scientific American,
4 Apr. 2025
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With the more serious form of Listeria, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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