as in shook
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
convulsing with silent laughter as the inept pianist blithely played on
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Recent Examples of convulsed
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
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
The massacre in Mashhad unfolded on January 8th, after Iranians across the country went out to protest the regime—the culmination of a movement that had convulsed the country for nearly two weeks, following the collapse of the economy.
—Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2026
For days, the president has issued increasingly bellicose warnings toward Tehran as protests have convulsed the Islamic Republic.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 11 Jan. 2026
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
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
The massacre in Mashhad unfolded on January 8th, after Iranians across the country went out to protest the regime—the culmination of a movement that had convulsed the country for nearly two weeks, following the collapse of the economy.
—Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2026
For days, the president has issued increasingly bellicose warnings toward Tehran as protests have convulsed the Islamic Republic.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 11 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulsed
Verb
-
No serious injuries were reported, but the extent of the fire shook residents of the north, who have repeatedly been told by their leaders that Hezbollah was dealt a devastating blow in 2024 during its last war with Israel.—
Natalie Melzer,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
-
With the blessing of Byers and basketball committee chairman Gavitt, the three parties — NCAA, CBS, and the Hyatt — shook hands.—
Bill Hancock,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Aisha jerked and opened her eyes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The two stood nose-to-nose on the field when the Steelers player grabbed onto Chase’s facemask, jerked his head and appeared to punch him.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
16 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Later, when Tristan gently put his hand on Marke’s shoulder, the king shuddered.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
People shuddered at the sight of it, or groaned, or covered their eyes.—
Sam Kriss,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
For a moment, the plane quivered around them like a greyhound straining on a leash.—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The roar of the crowds gathered at the base of the 101-story building still echoed in his ears, and the thrill of scaling its ten abstract metal dragons vibrated through his body.—
Outside,
Outside,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Even the bathrooms down the hall vibrated with rhythm.—
Kelsey Stewart,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Convulsed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulsed. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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