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
These symptoms include: Runny or stuffed up nose Low-grade fever (less than 100.4℉)
Mild, occasional cough
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
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
Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 5 June 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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Another 1,671 firms reached $2.5 to $4.9 million, up from 506 in 2021. Transportation and warehousing: With the e-commerce explosion sparking demand for last-mile transportation and warehousing, solopreneurs in this space profited.—
Elaine Pofeldt,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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An eruption followed by an explosion was heard Thursday evening as far as Larantuka and Maumere, two cities about 30 to 53 miles from the volcano.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Michael Jordan wears No. 45 in return to the Bulls For LaVine, the last few weeks of upheaval have offered perspective.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
-
During his decades-long career in finance, Carney steered governments through major global crises and periods of upheaval.—
Max Saltman,
CNN,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The formula seeps deep into pores all over your body to wipe out acne-causing bacteria, stopping active outbursts in their tracks, and keeping future ones at bay.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Powell hit a home run down the left field line in her first at-bat of the season, capping a three-run first-inning outburst by the Warriors in an eventual 9-6 nonconference victory.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The levels are based off several factors, including crime levels, threats of terrorism, civil unrest, health concerns and the possibility of a natural disaster, according to the State Department.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2025
-
In addition to long-standing restrictions, the State Department issued a travel advisory in August warning citizens not to travel to Iran due to political unrest in the region.—
Amin Khodadadi,
NBC News,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Wear it all day for bursts of inviting florals, energizing citrus and sultry white musks.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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The Gators responded with six consecutive points before Maryland embarked on a 6-2 burst for a 36-35 lead.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In the picturesque landscape of England's Lake District, a whisky revolution is quietly unfolding.—
Mark Littler,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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The legacy of Great Aunt Fannie and her 145 fellow victims is that their fiery deaths launched revolutions for American workplace safety, building codes and unions.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The economic loss from a Mount Fuji eruption is estimated to be up to 2.5 trillion yen ($16.6 billion).—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
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Since the volcanic eruption, most farmers here are just trying to get back on their feet.—
Colette Davidson,
Christian Science Monitor,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Researchers found the drug often leaves users immobile and unresponsive and can cause intense emotional reactions, euphoria, convulsions, and vomiting.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
11 Mar. 2025
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Serious health complications are possible, especially in children younger than 5, such as pneumonia — the most common cause of death from measles in young children — and swelling of the brain, which can trigger convulsions and lead to deafness or intellectual disability.—
Rong-Gong Lin II,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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