Synonyms of tempest

tempest

noun

ˈtem-pəst 

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

• storm
• squall
• blizzard
• thunderstorm
• hurricane
• cyclone
• weather
• snowstorm
• windstorm
• rainstorm
• typhoon
• hailstorm
• cloudburst
• ice storm
• northeaster
• thundershower
• norther
• sandstorm
• southeaster
• rainsquall
• southwester

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

• upheaval
• unrest
• storm
• revolution
• earthquake
• insurrection
• tumult
• revolt
• turmoil
• convulsion
• uprising
• uproar
• paroxysm
• rebellion
• cataclysm
• mutiny
• stir
• eruption
• insurgency
• commotion
• outburst
• upset
• overthrow
• subversion
• outbreak
• bouleversement
• squall
• spasm
• seizure
• to-do
• trembling
• coil
• furor
• fit
• hubbub
• ruckus
• pandemonium
• row
• bustle
• overturn
• bluster
• rout
• rocking
• welter
• furore
• quaking
• stew
• shaking
• rumpus
• hullabaloo
• shindy
• fuss
• hurly-burly
• ruction
• flare-up
• bobbery
• williwaw

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tempest

Cusk, best known for her trilogy of largely plotless novels, has gotten embroiled in a tabloid tempest involving a Hollywood icon precisely because of her new book's plot. — Colin Dwyer, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026

But the tempest over his future is pushing the rest of the Republican Party to a breaking point. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026

There may be a tempest in Galadriel, but Anarion has a magical hovering sword behind his neck. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

In Homer’s Odyssey, the Greek hero Odysseus must overcome tempests, temptations, mythical monsters, and divine wrath to sail home to the island of Ithaca after the Trojan War. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026