storm 1 of 2

1
as in thunderstorm
a disturbance of the atmosphere accompanied by wind and often by precipitation (as rain or snow) a winter storm bringing about six inches of snow

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2
as in barrage
a heavy fall of objects police had to endure a storm of rocks and bricks hurled by the rioters

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3
4
5
as in rain
a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity the storm caused major damage to our barn

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6
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling a storm of indignation and demands for his resignation arose when the mayor's dishonesty was exposed

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7

storm

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to rain
to fall as water in a continuous stream of drops from the clouds it storms so frequently up in the mountains that the peaks are rarely visible from the valley below

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
as in to steam
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger by the time we arrived, our hostess was storming because dinner was ruined

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb storm contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of storm are assail, assault, attack, and bombard. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

When might assail be a better fit than storm?

While in some cases nearly identical to storm, assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

Where would assault be a reasonable alternative to storm?

In some situations, the words assault and storm are roughly equivalent. However, assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When would attack be a good substitute for storm?

The words attack and storm can be used in similar contexts, but attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When can bombard be used instead of storm?

The words bombard and storm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of storm
Noun
Remember: storms don’t last forever, but the impact of your leadership will. Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Nan-young goes all the way to Mars to uncover the mystery of her mother’s disappearance, braving storms and mortal danger. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
Verb
That set off a raucous celebration with students storming the field to join the team. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025 At the end of her performance on Saturday, a man and a woman attempted to storm the stage, according to the EBU. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for storm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for storm
Noun
  • Severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood advisories were active across much of southern Texas on Wednesday, including the cities of San Antonio and Corpus Christi.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 29 May 2025
  • There is a chance for late afternoon showers and thunderstorms, the weather service said.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • In September 1967, his unit was in the Con Thien area when they were bombarded by heavy enemy artillery and a rocket barrage.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • That barrage prompted further salvos that led to the downing of Indian fighter jets (according to Pakistani and international media) and Pakistani jets (according to Indian media).
    AQIL SHAH, Foreign Affairs, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • On May 25, Mercury will zip into the curious and chatty sign of Gemini, bringing a flurry of messages and insight Comments Hang tight, because Mercury in Gemini is about to turn up the volume on all the chatter!
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • After falling behind 2-0 in the series on the road, and looking vastly overmatched in the process, the Timberwolves returned home and finally punched back, putting together a flurry that staggered the Thunder for the first time in the series.
    Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • After 'tremendous commotion,' Cassie screamed, 'Isn't anybody seeing this?' Some of the most compelling testimony has come from former Combs former personal assistant, George Kaplan.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 29 May 2025
  • Video footage from that day shows commotion and ICE agents entangled with members of Congress and their staff.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Temperatures hover in the high 80s to low 90s, with rain chances at 60% across the entire region.
    Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • In fact, the rain actually bought Hardin some time after his escape, according to Champion.
    Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • So these quests march on even as the crack of explosions grows louder.
    Carole V. Bell, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
  • Since March, the southeast crater showed signs of activity with smaller explosions and moderate lava flows.
    David Bressan, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • 2025 has ushered in a great deal of political upheaval and technological changes, with more coming at us almost daily.
    Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • And nowhere is this upheaval more apparent than in the turning tides of geopolitics.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement Advertisement Then Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office, confronting European leaders with the reality that his commitment to Europe had become an open question—especially as war raged in Ukraine.
    Ian Bremmer, Time, 24 May 2025
  • Trump has raged against the Fed and Powell, specifically, for declining to cut interest rates this year as the president’s trade agenda roils global markets.
    Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/storm. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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