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

After Algeria was convulsed by nationwide protests in 2019, the government became concerned about broader social unrest and promised economic aid. —Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026

Soltani’s precarious fate became one of the most high profile cases internationally during the huge anti-government protests that convulsed Iran last month. —Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026

The raid convulsed that country, and the effects still ripple through this oil-rich city, home to major petroleum companies as well as a large Venezuelan community. —Frank Langfitt, NPR, 1 Feb. 2026

As the United States convulses with violent raids from emboldened ICE agents, citizens across the country have fought back with block-by-block mutual aid. —Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026