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

Last Friday, Jason Arday was found dead in his home in London amid a media tempest dissecting his backstory. — Raven Smith, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026

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