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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Was the Queen of Pop merely causing a commotion?—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
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In the commotion, Josie became separated from the group.—
Georgea Kovanis,
Freep.com,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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What To Know As of early Wednesday, a winter weather advisory is in place for Alaska’s Atigun Pass, where the NWS said snow accumulations between five and 10 inches, as well as wind gusts as high as 55 miles per hour, are expected.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
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If gusts build, expect lower trajectories, more long irons off tees and conservative lines to back pins.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The popular Bandai Namco childlike-horror franchise Little Nightmares is back and with more disturbances in tow.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
10 Oct. 2025
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Once formed, these waves can travel across entire ocean basins, radiating outward from the point of disturbance and impacting coastlines far from the origin.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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China’s sweeping new restrictions, some of which won’t take effect until November, could deal a huge blow to East Asian economies, such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, which play critical roles in the global tech and artificial intelligence supply chain, as well as the auto industries.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
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Though no plant jobs were lost, just reallocated, the move still came as a blow, according to UAW Local 14 President Tony Totty.—
Jackie Charniga,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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To make the stir fry sauce, in a small bowl, whisk together the broth (or water), soy sauce, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine (or more broth), cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger and garlic.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
9 Oct. 2025
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The bakery aisle of the megastore caused quite a stir back in March when Costco introduced a new carrot cake.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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While they’re usually made from a hard plastic and can take up precious space in your drawer or cabinet, these funnels are made from flexible silicone and have a space-saving, foldable design to make storing them a breeze.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Oct. 2025
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From vegetables and berries to whole grains and lean proteins, the freezer aisle is full of healthy foods that can make preparing quick, balanced meals a breeze.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Brandon Arrington, the fastest high school runner in the state, is in a hurry — to graduate.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Oct. 2025
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Now, Trinity will need to turn things around in a hurry to salvage its season.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Oct. 2025
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 15 Oct. 2025.
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