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
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
The 55-year-old electrical engineer at the center of this postal paroxysm was an improbable target.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2014
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
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
The 55-year-old electrical engineer at the center of this postal paroxysm was an improbable target.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2014
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysm
Noun
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Quick hits • Orlando Science Center hosts Mess Fest, which splatters knowledge and physics with paint, foam explosions and more.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
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Explosion of leftover bombs killed 14 in Iran An explosion of leftover bombs from strikes during the war against Iran killed 14 Revolutionary Guard members, IRNA and other Iranian media reported Friday.—
Toqa Ezzidin,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Noun
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The hoard sheds new light on Norway's economy during a turbulent period in the country's history, remembered for political upheaval, power shifts, Viking expeditions and an influx of wealth from abroad, Innlandet officials said.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
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The move comes amid a dramatic upheaval for LIV Golf.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Flagg and Knueppel traded places as betting favorites during the season, but Flagg’s 96-point outburst over two games on the second-to-last weekend might have tipped the scales.—
Schuyler Dixon,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Bears took control with a 5-0 outburst in the third quarter for a 12-7 advantage over the defending champions.—
Glae Thien,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That is, up until the 1911 census, after which unrest put the practice on pause.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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Turkey denies the deaths constituted genocide, saying the toll has been inflated and that those killed were victims of civil war and unrest.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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An unexpected new burst of infamy arrived in 2011, when the motto appeared at SlutWalk NYC, a feminist protest, on a sign held by a protester—a white woman, as far as anyone could tell.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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Each new burst of observation, each refined model, peels back another layer, showing us just how dynamic and surprising the life of a star can be.—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
3 May 2026
Noun
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Latin America’s revolutions, however moderate, had nonetheless involved ending slavery.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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California’s ripe for an economic revolution.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
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Alert 5 means an explosive and life-threatening eruption is underway with deadly volcanic lava and pyroclastic flows and heavy ashfall.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 May 2026
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Another key element of the look is the flamboyant headpiece that Deacon created in collaboration with the iconic milliner Stephen Jones, which featured an eruption of ostrich and pheasant feathers that had been artfully dyed to echo the shades of Christie’s dress.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
4 May 2026
Noun
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In 1602, she was afflicted by a slew of symptoms, such as convulsions, fits, and terrors.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
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But her vitals are strong and there’s startling force in her unpredictable convulsions and bone-chilling noises.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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