as in shakes
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
convulsing with silent laughter as the inept pianist blithely played on
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 convulses
Now, as Venezuela’s political order convulses after the capture of strongman Nicolás Maduro and Washington ramps up pressure on Havana, that scaffolding is starting to buckle under pressure.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 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
As the Islamic Republic convulses with demonstrations across all 31 provinces, Iranians of all ages are catching a glimpse of national rebirth after nearly half a century of theocratic rule.
—Behnam Ben Taleblu, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026
Some skimming of the froth would not be unhealthy, though the question is whether the market got wound tightly enough that a hiccup in the high-momentum groups convulses the rest of the market too.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 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
As the Islamic Republic convulses with demonstrations across all 31 provinces, Iranians of all ages are catching a glimpse of national rebirth after nearly half a century of theocratic rule.
—Behnam Ben Taleblu, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026
Some skimming of the froth would not be unhealthy, though the question is whether the market got wound tightly enough that a hiccup in the high-momentum groups convulses the rest of the market too.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulses
Verb
-
Rx bars were fanned out on a silver platter, Lean Body shakes dotted the table, cups of Chobani were arranged in a pyramid.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Use protein powders in smoothies or shakes to help fill nutrient gaps.—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The mind shudders at the thought.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
So one shudders to think what might happen when the Dolphins now face a murderer’s row of elite running backs and mobile quarterbacks.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In a viral video of the aftermath, the robot jerks back and forth to shake the glass off, showering yet more dangerous shards onto the sidewalk.—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Ross’s video does not show if the SUV made contact with him, as the camera angle jerks up to the sky.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This element is special as its nucleus vibrates at a very low energy level.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Basically, how fast a sound source vibrates.—
Laura Kiniry,
Popular Science,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Risk factors for cardiac arrest A frequent trigger is rhythm disturbance—especially ventricular fibrillation—in which the heart quivers instead of beating effectively.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The music of home often quivers with nostalgia.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Convulses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulses. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
