1
as in storm
a disturbance of the atmosphere accompanied by wind and often by precipitation (as rain or snow)
the sudden summertime tempest drove us off the golf course and into the clubhouse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in upheaval
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
the town council handled the tempest over cuts to the school budget as well as could be expected
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of tempest
Elliott, a University of Alabama scientist who studies ancient hurricanes, came to this lake on the Gulf Coast for sediment that can unlock the secrets of the violent storms of the past — and offer a glimpse of future tempests as Earth’s climate warms.
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Dino Grandoni, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
Being on the wrong side in one of these tempests in a teabag could be fatal.
—Liz Smith, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2024
From Beijing’s perspective, the gathering storm of criticism may look like a tempest in a teacup—easily weathered for long-term gains.
—Nadège Rolland, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2019
But the problems with Houston’s energy system didn’t start with Hurricane Beryl, although the tempest exposed its faults.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for tempest 
Dino Grandoni, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
Being on the wrong side in one of these tempests in a teabag could be fatal.
—Liz Smith, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2024
From Beijing’s perspective, the gathering storm of criticism may look like a tempest in a teacup—easily weathered for long-term gains.
—Nadège Rolland, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2019
But the problems with Houston’s energy system didn’t start with Hurricane Beryl, although the tempest exposed its faults.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for tempest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempest
Noun
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It was being driven by high winds that were sweeping the area as a winter storm arrived.Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
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The storm is now about 195 miles west of Key West, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, moving northwest at 9 mph, the National Hurricane Center said at 7 a.m. ET.Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
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As someone deeply connected to this narrative through my family’s legacy with the Chickasaw Nation and the Chickasaw Freedmen, I am inspired by the pivotal roles that my great-great-great-grandfather, Charles Cohee Sr., and his son, Charles Cohee Jr., played during a time of significant upheaval.Kevin Cohee, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
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The show has also seen a bit of of behind-the-scenes upheaval as of late.Andy Swift, TVLine, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The subgenre originated in the late ’80s as bands such as My Bloody Valentine blanketed concert venues in slow-churning guitar squall while staring down at their effects pedals.Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2024
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To help combat the concurrent squall of lies, FEMA has spent precious resources to combat the untruths by beefing up the Rumor Response page on its website.Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Authorities have erected new security fencing around the White House and other buildings in Washington, D.C., on Sunday as the nation's capital braces for possible unrest on and after Election Day.David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
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Obviously, there are myriad reasons for the malaise gripping the town — the lingering aftereffects of the pandemic, the industry-wide economic shrinkage, the labor unrest, the waves and waves of layoffs.Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Author of 'Swarm Troopers: How small drones will conquer the world,' following cutting-edge military technology in general and the drone warfare revolution in particular.David Hambling, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
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The Keynesian revolution provided still another policy response for governments to consider during periods of economic crisis: spending as fiscal stimulus to create jobs and income.Erik Guzik / The Conversation, Quartz, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The deity is also linked to earthquakes, thunder, darkness, storms, and death and was widely regarded as the most powerful force of evil in Egyptian theology.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
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The prospectus outlines the typical credit risks and also specific hazards including earthquakes in California, typhoons in Japan and European windstorms.Chris Dobstaff, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near tempest
Cite this Entry
“Tempest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempest. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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