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

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

You're used to a bit of spontaneity, but this tempest is going to draw extra frustrations around your income, finances, or money matters. — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026

SpaceX, privately held, was insulated from that PR tempest. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 12 June 2026

For now, Buttigieg has chosen to wait out the tempests in Traverse City, the hometown of his husband, Chasten, a former schoolteacher. — Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026