Synonyms of convulse

convulse

verb

kən-ˈvəls 

as in to shake

to make a series of small irregular or violent movements

convulsing with silent laughter as the inept pianist blithely played on

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shake
• shudder
• vibrate
• jerk
• tremble
• quiver
• shiver
• twitch
• agitate
• quake
• sway
• wobble
• jiggle
• bucket
• jolt
• wabble
• throb
• joggle
• jounce
• judder
• flicker
• swing
• rock
• wave
• flutter
• pulsate
• oscillate
• waver
• undulate
• chatter
• thrill
• palpitate
• fluctuate
• pulse
• quaver
• dodder
• pit-a-pat
• beat
• pitter-patter

Synonym Chooser

How is the word convulse different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of convulse are agitate, rock, and shake. While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm.

spectators were convulsed with laughter

In what contexts can agitate take the place of convulse?

The synonyms agitate and convulse are sometimes interchangeable, but agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring.

an ocean agitated by storms

When could rock be used to replace convulse?

In some situations, the words rock and convulse are roughly equivalent. However, rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval.

the whole city was rocked by the explosion

Where would shake be a reasonable alternative to convulse?

While the synonyms shake and convulse are close in meaning, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose.

shake well before using

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of convulse

As the fungus takes hold, the ant begins to convulse, shaking it from its canopy nest back down to the ground. —New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2025

The venture will unleash yet more construction onto Bonds Ranch, an 8-mile farm street now convulsed by rapid suburbanization. —Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2025

Local Muslim resident Asif Qureshi said his hometown has never seen violence like that which unfolded last month, condemning the clashes that convulsed the historically peaceful city. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025

The trial has convulsed France and transformed the woman at its center into a feminist icon for her bravery in allowing the case to be tried publicly. —Natasha Frost, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024