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
Meanwhile, White speculates that the Hong Kong funds also got pummeled by headwinds in the Yen-carry trade—which made their financing more expensive—and exposure to recent convulsions in the silver market.
—
Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
Some permanent changes among survivors have been noted, including persistent convulsions.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2026
For nearly a millennia and half, even in the centuries when physicians were beginning to supplant priests in treating the ill, epileptic convulsions (unexpected, frightening, enigmatic) remained the territory of the priest.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Formed in England in the mid-1600s, the Religious Society of Friends became known for the tremors and convulsions that would overtake its members during prayer.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026
Victoria eventually shared that Romeo had been diagnosed with epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures and convulsions.
—Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
On Tuesday, at a sidewalk light pole near the intersection of Smallman and 11th streets, Mitchell said some type of live electrical current sent Denim into full-body convulsions, acting like he was being tased.
—Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
So are wild garlic and death camas, a plant that can cause vomiting, convulsions, coma and death.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Such an approach weathered domestic convulsions.
—Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
Some permanent changes among survivors have been noted, including persistent convulsions.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2026
For nearly a millennia and half, even in the centuries when physicians were beginning to supplant priests in treating the ill, epileptic convulsions (unexpected, frightening, enigmatic) remained the territory of the priest.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Formed in England in the mid-1600s, the Religious Society of Friends became known for the tremors and convulsions that would overtake its members during prayer.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026
Victoria eventually shared that Romeo had been diagnosed with epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures and convulsions.
—Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
On Tuesday, at a sidewalk light pole near the intersection of Smallman and 11th streets, Mitchell said some type of live electrical current sent Denim into full-body convulsions, acting like he was being tased.
—Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
So are wild garlic and death camas, a plant that can cause vomiting, convulsions, coma and death.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Such an approach weathered domestic convulsions.
—Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulsions
Noun
-
Causing one of the biggest upheavals in Hollywood history, the IT meltdown irreparably damaged 70% of Sony’s servers, and exposed private communications from executives and talent as well as personal information.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
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There have been other owners since, an unsuccessful switch to nonprofit status, staff upheavals, and changes in format and frequency of publishing.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Like most would-be revolutions, the nudge was launched with a manifesto.—
Rob Wolfe,
The Atlantic,
19 Feb. 2026
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Barr’s last scenario is one of a gradual adoption, where AI follows the trajectory of previous technological revolutions, diffusing into the economy at a manageable pace.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Convulsions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulsions. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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