1
as in turbulent
marked by sudden or violent disturbance
the assassination of Martin Luther King was one of the most convulsive events of the 1960s
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity
after a day of convulsive trading, the stock market was down 300 points
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of convulsive
In the middle of all this came a convulsive shock, the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
—
Adam Goldman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
When the train pulls away — and his target serenely waves goodbye through the window — Popeye’s convulsive rage is a quintessential Hackman flourish.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
The reversal of values, principles, and ideals has been convulsive.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 6 Feb. 2025
Patel’s past proposals, if carried out, would lead to convulsive change for an agency tasked not only with investigating violations of federal law but also protecting the country from terrorist attacks, foreign espionage and other threats.
—Eric Tucker and Alan Suderman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for convulsive
Adam Goldman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
When the train pulls away — and his target serenely waves goodbye through the window — Popeye’s convulsive rage is a quintessential Hackman flourish.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
The reversal of values, principles, and ideals has been convulsive.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 6 Feb. 2025
Patel’s past proposals, if carried out, would lead to convulsive change for an agency tasked not only with investigating violations of federal law but also protecting the country from terrorist attacks, foreign espionage and other threats.
—Eric Tucker and Alan Suderman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for convulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulsive
Adjective
-
Sheckler and Kells have used the parallels in their turbulent journeys in the spotlight to lean on one another, making their bond stronger over the years.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
14 Aug. 2025
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The two were married in 2012, and in the 13 years that followed, Krein was spotted from time to time with the powerful political family as his father-in-law navigated a presidential campaign and turbulent term in the White House.—
Kyler Alvord,
People.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But Over-the-Rhine and Downtown have seen an uptick in violent crime.—
Brenda Ordonez,
The Enquirer,
21 Aug. 2025
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Coleman said about 175 people convicted of violent crimes that took place before the law's effective date who had not yet been sentenced could have been eligible for early release.—
Lucas Aulbach,
The Courier-Journal,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Typical confusion and disruption for a ferocious Vikings unit led by blitz enthusiast and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, but a shock to the Patriots’ offensive system.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
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Aquaman star Jason Momoa learned that lesson the hard way while attempting a miles-long paddle through ferocious Hawaiian waters and nearly not coming back up.—
Ryan Coleman Published,
EW.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The incident comes amid fierce controversy around pro-Palestinian activism and free speech in the UK, with musicians often at the forefront.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
23 Aug. 2025
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Data from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) shows Democrats ahead of Republicans in overall fundraising, with more success among House Democrats than senators, as the parties gear up for a fierce 2026 midterm election.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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During the weekend retreat at Camp David, in 1971, when Nixon’s team arrived at the decision to untether the dollar from gold, Treasury Secretary John Connally dismissed concerns that allies would be furious.—
Wally Adeyemo,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Aug. 2025
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During the 2013 trial, prosecutors said Arias was furious after Alexander ended their relationship and began seeing someone new, rejecting her attempts to rekindle their romance.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The 37-acre search field near Murfreesboro sits atop an ancient volcanic pipe that erupted roughly 100 million years ago.—
Benj Edwards,
ArsTechnica,
19 Aug. 2025
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Accurate predictions of eruptions at the Seamount could help volcanologists forecast future volcanic eruptions on land -- some that could potentially pose a danger to humans, the researchers said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But don’t count Odenkirk, who was about the age of most of Dahl’s rabid young fans at the time.—
William Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Aug. 2025
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The modes feature enough depth to sate the most rabid football fan.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Convulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulsive. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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