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
• 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

Mary Fong Lau, 80, was sentenced to three years of probation, plus 200 hours of community service, for an incident that convulsed the city in 2024. —Rachel Swan, San Francisco Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026

The refugee crisis that followed—over 1 million Iraqis ultimately fled into Syria—contributed directly to the Syrian civil war that convulsed European politics throughout the 2010s. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026

The war has already convulsed financial markets and led to a spike in oil and gasoline prices and left countries in Latin America bracing for the economic fallout. —Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026

After Algeria was convulsed by nationwide protests in 2019, the government became concerned about broader social unrest and promised economic aid. —ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026