convulse

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

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 convulse His announcement on Wednesday, which included a minimum tax of 10 percent on nearly all imports, caused markets to convulse as investors dumped stocks and sought safety in government bonds. Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 The students fell ill within minutes of eating rice and potato curry, vomiting and convulsing with stomach cramps. Peter Guo, NBC news, 2 May 2025 Then, as the global economy convulsed after the trauma of World War I, British economist John Maynard Keynes set this belief on its head. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for convulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulse
Verb
  • Han shook off criticisms of the small ring by also noting that both Belly and Jeremiah are college students on a budget.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Rinse the greens in the empty side of the sink, then put the greens in the colander, rinse again, shake off, and rinse again.
    Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This textural trend is known for its popularity in the 1970s, when homeowners and designers experimented with installing shag carpets on unexpected surfaces, such as ceilings and bathroom floors (shudder).
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2025
  • In 2001, however, production ceased, and the brewery shuddered.
    Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • The captain announces the trip, vibrating chairs simulate the real thing while the plane windows offer views of the departure city (San Francisco), the sky and the tarmac upon landing in Mexico City.
    Susan Stapleton, AZCentral.com, 31 July 2025
  • As Martin Scorsese said when asked to describe them, Schnabel’s films are ‘abundant, overflowing and vibrating with life, pulse.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Just a few blocks from arrival, the car lurched toward the other lane—which was, thankfully, empty—and immediately jerked back.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025
  • Having already had to navigate a 180-degree turn around a roundabout at 80km per hour, the road jerked to the left with around 1.6km remaining and, with some riders forced wide, the group was split.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • In the elevator of the Associated Press Building at Rockefeller Plaza, Sunny’s brows trembled.
    Kiran Desai, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
  • But then the cheers from his fans would begin, and Hogan would tremble with energy.
    John DeVore, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The Cabinet is a quivering collection of yea-sayers.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Hamill delivers this monologue with real passion, his raspy voice quivering with sincerity.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulse. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on convulse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!