Synonyms of convulsive

convulsive

adjective

kən-ˈvəl-siv 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• turbulent
• tumultuous
• spasmodic
• tempestuous
• stormy
• fitful
• sporadic
• boisterous
• cataclysmal
• riotous
• noisy
• furious
• clamorous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• peaceful
• undisturbed
• placid
• serene
• tranquil
• unperturbed
• untroubled
• unshaken

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violent
• ferocious
• turbulent
• fierce
• furious
• volcanic
• rabid
• rough
• explosive
• paroxysmal
• vicious
• tumultuous
• cyclonic
• brutal
• tempestuous
• hot
• stormy
• savage
• aggressive
• volatile
• blood-and-guts
• bang-bang
• knock-down, drag-out
• barbarous
• hammer-and-tongs
• contentious
• hostile
• frantic
• destructive
• antagonistic
• mad
• belligerent
• bellicose
• combative
• frenzied
• pugnacious
• agitated
• combustible
• truculent
• gladiatorial
• quarrelsome
• assertive
• ruinous
• cataclysmal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peaceful
• peaceable
• nonviolent
• calm
• tranquil
• serene
• pacific
• halcyon
• nonbelligerent
• unaggressive

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective convulsive contrast with its synonyms?

The words fitful and spasmodic are common synonyms of convulsive. While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

Where would fitful be a reasonable alternative to convulsive?

Although the words fitful and convulsive have much in common, fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

How do spasmodic and fitful relate to one another, in the sense of convulsive?

Spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.

spasmodic growth

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of convulsive

The question of Armenian identity and the very fate of the Armenian people seem to be at stake in this kinetic, formally convulsive work. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

There’s a physically primal element that feels new to Hathaway here, and not just in the film’s early convulsive silent dance sequence. — Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026

At a meeting there believers are purged of their sins after confessing and then shouting, howling, stomping, dancing, in a convulsive shedding of guilt. — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 21 Jan. 2026

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