as in upheavals
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
the Russian Revolution was one of the major convulsions of the 20th century
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Recent Examples of convulsions
About 20% will develop West Nile fever, and less than 1% will become sick with West Nile neuroinvasive disease, which DSHS says is a more serious neurological illness that can cause tremors, convulsions, disorientation, paralysis and even death.
—
Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
Listeriosis can cause symptoms of fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
—Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
High doses can cause convulsions, cardiovascular collapse, stroke or death.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
In 1602, she was afflicted by a slew of symptoms, such as convulsions, fits, and terrors.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
But her vitals are strong and there’s startling force in her unpredictable convulsions and bone-chilling noises.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
The country, meanwhile, was experiencing a series of convulsions.
—Azadeh Moaveni, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
Brain swelling from encephalitis can lead to convulsions, permanent hearing loss, intellectual disability and death, according to the CDC.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 19 Mar. 2026
But the more-severe version is life-threatening, according to the FDA, and symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
Listeriosis can cause symptoms of fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
—Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
High doses can cause convulsions, cardiovascular collapse, stroke or death.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
In 1602, she was afflicted by a slew of symptoms, such as convulsions, fits, and terrors.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
But her vitals are strong and there’s startling force in her unpredictable convulsions and bone-chilling noises.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
The country, meanwhile, was experiencing a series of convulsions.
—Azadeh Moaveni, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
Brain swelling from encephalitis can lead to convulsions, permanent hearing loss, intellectual disability and death, according to the CDC.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 19 Mar. 2026
But the more-severe version is life-threatening, according to the FDA, and symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulsions
Noun
-
This year has been marked by major political upheavals, armed conflicts, cultural milestones, and memorable moments in sports.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
15 May 2026
-
Makary’s efforts on drug reviews were overshadowed by internal conflicts and upheavals that created headaches for drugmakers, investors and patients.—
Matthew Perrone,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Cuba is currently pulling off one of the fastest solar revolutions on the planet, with help from China, according to data from the energy think tank Ember.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
-
The film industry has gone through many technological revolutions.—
Norine Raja,
Vanity Fair,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Convulsions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulsions. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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