paroxysms

noun

Definition of paroxysmsnext
plural of paroxysm
1
as in bursts
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling a paroxysm of laughter greeted the pratfall

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in upheavals
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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysms
  1. outbursts
  2. convulsions
  3. explosions
  4. revolutions
  5. eruptions
  6. spasms
  7. gusts
Noun
  • Plenty of exploding stars are also adept at blasting outbursts of this high-energy light.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Dec. 2024
  • These outbursts' light output didn't resemble any previous cosmic explosion.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of outbursts
Noun
  • 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
  • His epileptic convulsions happen less often and for shorter intervals — seconds at a time, instead of minutes.
    Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Nov. 2024
Definition of convulsions
Noun
  • Archaeologists have yet to X-ray the ancient columns for possible hairline fractures from the force of months of explosions around them, Ghazal says.
    Lauren Frayer, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024
  • There are also some intense sequences and mature dialogue, including close-call motorcycle chases, explosions, and moments when family is spoken about with a negative connotation.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024
Definition of explosions
Noun
  • This starting point was the beginning of something that has carried on through 3 more revolutions, each building on the previous and leading to fundamental changes in the production, manufacturing, and consumption of goods and, more lately, services.
    Sarwant Singh, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Mobile, social, and digital revolutions had reshaped the world, but sports were still due for an upgrade.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Definition of revolutions
Noun
  • Since eruptions can change quickly or end abruptly, check the park website before your visit for the most up-to-date information.
    Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
  • There was little place in this dance for eruptions of human temperament.
    Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of eruptions
Noun
  • Magnesium deficiency is commonly linked to nocturnal leg cramps or painful muscle spasms during sleep.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
  • One customer who was having muscle spasms and neck stiffness said this massager took away the pain within just three days of use.
    Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
Definition of spasms
Noun
  • The forecast says snow, freezing rain, and sleet might come late afternoon, as well as wind with gusts as high as 24 mph and temperatures in the 30s.
    Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Temperatures are expected to be in the 20s, and wind gusts will be around 27 miles per hour.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 22 Dec. 2024
Definition of gusts
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Thesaurus Entries Near paroxysms

paroxysmal

paroxysms

parricide

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Cite this Entry

“Paroxysms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysms. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paroxysms

Nglish: Translation of paroxysms for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of paroxysms for Arabic Speakers

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