Thesaurus

convulse

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms of convulse

to make a series of small irregular or violent movements

convulsing with silent laughter as the inept pianist blithely played on

Synonyms for convulse

agitate,
bucket,
jerk,
jiggle,
joggle,
jolt,
jounce,
judder
[chiefly British],
quake,
quiver,
shake,
shudder,
vibrate,
wobble
(also wabble)

Words Related to convulse

twitch

dodder,
waver

Frequently Asked Questions About convulse

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