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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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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Recent Examples of convulsive
Literary Hub turned ten this year, which is basically forty in website years (but not 44, thankfully), and inasmuch as it’s been an ugly and convulsive decade in the broader world, it’s been pretty bad for online media, too.
—
Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
The buck took a convulsive jump that carried him about 30 ft. and piled up.
—Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2025
During the past six months, Bondi has presided over the most convulsive transition of power in the Justice Department since the Watergate era, and perhaps in the hundred-and-fifty-five-year history of the department.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
But for anyone with a taste for operatic violence and fountains of blood as shotgun and assault rifle blasts send bodies flying in slo-mo or dancing like convulsive marionettes, Gareth Evans’ gritty neo-noir will be just the ticket.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for convulsive
Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
The buck took a convulsive jump that carried him about 30 ft. and piled up.
—Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2025
During the past six months, Bondi has presided over the most convulsive transition of power in the Justice Department since the Watergate era, and perhaps in the hundred-and-fifty-five-year history of the department.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
But for anyone with a taste for operatic violence and fountains of blood as shotgun and assault rifle blasts send bodies flying in slo-mo or dancing like convulsive marionettes, Gareth Evans’ gritty neo-noir will be just the ticket.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for convulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulsive
Adjective
-
Mourinho’s three-year reign was a turbulent era, played out along toxic battle-lines against one of the greatest sides in football history in Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
The controversy offered a preview of what could be a turbulent Senate race in Kansas.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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His predecessor, Hailemariam Desalegn, had overseen strong economic growth during his nearly six-year rule but continued a historical pattern of using violent crackdowns to crush dissent.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
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That was in March of 2011, when pro-democracy protests against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad led to a violent government crackdown and civil war.—
Jon LaPook,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion whose ferocious, hard-hitting style of play angered opponents and sometimes overshadowed his prodigious skills and ability to deliver in the biggest games, has died after taking his own life, according to authorities.—
Stephen Whyno,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
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Despite the ferocious domestic rivalries, the Tartan Army is considered among the world’s friendliest football fans, known for singing and mingling instead of brawling (even if only while their national team is playing).—
Laura Dannen Redman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Reddit is home to many of Civilization VII’s fiercest critics, but Test of Time also appears to be well received there, too.—
Barry Collins,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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She will be remembered for her loving generosity, fierce opinions, endless curiosity, unique style, and her powdered, almond, crescent cookies at Christmas, hence her name, Auntie Cookie.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Before the playoff the pair had to fight off a furious charge from last year’s winner, Ben Griffin, who started the day off in 19th place but had the final day’s best round at 5-under 65.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 May 2026
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The 24-year-old infielder launched a two-run home run off the Orioles’ Trevor Rogers in the seventh inning of the Blue Jays’ furious come-from-behind 6-5 win in Baltimore.—
Jon Becker,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
The potatoes are a must-order, served in duck fat, jacketed, or as a galette, and grown in Tasmania’s rich volcanic soils.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
-
Most of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge lies at least 2,500 meters below the sea, where extreme pressure keeps volcanic gases from expanding and limits eruptions to quiet outpourings of lava.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Driven by rabid demand for chips that power artificial intelligence, the Boise manufacturer’s stock jumped more than 28% Tuesday into Wednesday, topping out at $955 per share to open trading on May 27.—
Mark Dee
May 27,
Idaho Statesman,
27 May 2026
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The Giants also have leaned heavily into Dart’s rising star and fame, feeding the desperate and rabid fan base with the hope Dart’s rookie flashes represents.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Convulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulsive. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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