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
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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
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
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Directed by Guadagnino from a screenplay by Saturday Night Live alum Simon Rich, Artificial explores Sam Altman’s OpenAI and the company’s turbulent period in 2023 when he was fired and rehired in a matter of days.
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The trauma of a turbulent household had aged her beyond her years.
Adjective
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The march stems from the violent 1969 police raid of the Stonewall Inn that catalyzed the gay rights movement at a time when many people who were LGBTQIA+ hid their identity.
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Over the years, Hall has responded to emergencies ranging from domestic violence calls to serious violent crimes.
Adjective
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Despite Gulf states’ efforts to avoid a regional conflict, the US – alongside Israel – launched a war against Iran, triggering ferocious retaliatory attacks across the Gulf and forcing regional governments to confront once again the question of what American protection really means.
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In the film’s ferocious climax, Jim is shot but escapes with Selena and Hannah, and the story closes (28 days later) back in the countryside as a jet flies over and augurs their rescue.
Adjective
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The 2023 arrest of her then-10-year-old cousin for urinating in public brought fierce condemnation.
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For a party that prides itself on diversity, the clashes have exacerbated fierce debates over identity politics and long-standing rifts between progressives and moderates.
Adjective
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There was a furious campaign in India, led by the public, the media, and politicians, demanding revenge.
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There are no rookies likely to get that kind of prominence on this year’s Oilers team, but there are young players who will get noticed due to furious forechecking.
Adjective
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It is made from Highland Blue Weber grown in the Los Altos Southern region, where high altitude and rich red volcanic soil naturally add to a sweeter, more floral agave character.
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Ask Volcano House staff for the most up-to-date info on any closures and open trails, as things change depending on volcanic activity.
Adjective
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San Joaquin County is seeing a rise in rabid bats, but public health officials said not to worry.
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The moment Rekha moves to task 9, the tone shifts into rabid competition mode.
Cite this Entry
“Convulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulsive. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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