1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the surprise verdict of the jury created a wild williwaw as reporters rushed to file their stories
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gust
a sudden brief rush of wind
a williwaw rose up seemingly out of nowhere and wreaked havoc with our campsite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of williwaw
The williwaw, a gale-force wind that came rolling down the mountain gathering speed, was depicted as a whorled cloud.
—
Nancy Lord, Anchorage Daily News, 18 Sep. 2022
The williwaw gusts swirled thick fog among transport ships off Attu Island, and the waiting infantrymen nervously mulled the name of their landing site: Massacre Bay.
—Alex Horton, Washington Post, 24 May 2018
Nancy Lord, Anchorage Daily News, 18 Sep. 2022
The williwaw gusts swirled thick fog among transport ships off Attu Island, and the waiting infantrymen nervously mulled the name of their landing site: Massacre Bay.
—Alex Horton, Washington Post, 24 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for williwaw
Noun
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His neighbors and roommates overheard the commotion from the shooting.—
Suzanne Le Mignot,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The vocals twitch as a backflipping commotion takes over the streets.—
Pitchfork,
Pitchfork,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 Mar. 2026
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Wind gusts will likely stay between 25 and 30 mph at times.—
Michael Autovino,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Police said Gerhardt Facko, a Palos Hills resident, was shot following a 911 call to an address on Cour Versailles about a domestic disturbance.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
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Children may present with sensory sensitivities, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal symptoms, or anxiety, all of which influence tolerance to clinical procedures.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But Thune has worked to soften the blow, at least within his own conference, by involving Lee in lengthy conversations on how debate proceeds.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Mar. 2026
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The French left won the Paris mayor’s race, one of a number of blows to far-right and center-right challengers in nationwide municipal polls.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Now’s the time to get shopping to build out (or add to) your very own K-beauty routine, and hurry—before these sales run out of stock.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2026
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Experts are terming this more of a long-term drought given the longevity but still, a wet spring could change things in a hurry.—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There is also seating on the outdoor Thomson Plaza where guests can catch the Miami breeze blowing Ultra’s music your way until curtain.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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Temperatures will struggle to reach 50° on Saturday afternoon, with a chilly breeze.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This iris’ ornamental feature is unforgettable orange-red seeds, which, clustered at more than 20 per pod, create quite a stir when dozens of pods open simultaneously on mature plants.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
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Take a look at some of the stellar hand mixers that created a stir.—
Mark Marino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Winners that scud through the court from all directions.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
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In low, clear water when trout are spooky, a bait presented on a dry fly or scud hook will drift more naturally with the current and that can mean the difference between a take and a pass.—
Joe Cermele,
Outdoor Life,
7 Mar. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Williwaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/williwaw. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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