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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tempest
Yet What Lane Will (Actually) Do is almost secondary to the tempest he’s created to get here.
—
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025
But flooding — and not just from those tropical tempests — is a multibillion-dollar threat that is largely untracked by government agencies and often kept secret from the public.
—Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025
This week, Kenvue, the consumer health spin-off from Johnson & Johnson, found itself at the epicenter of a market tempest this week.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
The tempest over the logo began last week, when the company announced plans for a simplified design featuring only the company’s name.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempest
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025
But flooding — and not just from those tropical tempests — is a multibillion-dollar threat that is largely untracked by government agencies and often kept secret from the public.
—Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025
This week, Kenvue, the consumer health spin-off from Johnson & Johnson, found itself at the epicenter of a market tempest this week.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
The tempest over the logo began last week, when the company announced plans for a simplified design featuring only the company’s name.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempest
Noun
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While preparing for the storm ahead, here's what to know about keeping your body in shape, and safe, while clearing winter weather.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
21 Jan. 2026
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This large winter storm will take shape over the southern plains later this week.—
Tammie Souza,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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These are among the many questions posed by Simon Morrison’s sprawling biography of place, which seeks to understand a nation through the life of its largest city, tracing Moscow’s evolution via dozens of historical upheavals, from war, famine, drought, and much, much more.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
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It’s been a big year of upheaval for Allen, who split from ex David Harbour in February, per People.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has repeatedly blamed foreign enemies for unrest while backing the IRGC’s response.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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The death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades, and recalls the chaos surrounding the 1979 revolution that brought the Islamic Republic into being.—
Elena Becatoros,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The young republic’s survival hinged on distancing itself from a Europe convulsed by revolution and war.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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One early muse-like figure is Martin Luther, who in 1524 sparked a revolution by challenging the church’s influence on commerce.—
Valerie L. Myers,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The chain works on projects requires following natural disasters in California, including the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which left 57 people dead and more than 9,000 injured.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 2026
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Built between the late 1800s and early 1900s, these architectural gems survived the 1906 earthquake and flourished as symbols of endurance.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tempest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempest. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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