paroxysm

noun

ˈper-ək-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce paroxysm (audio)
Definition of paroxysmnext
1
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling a paroxysm of laughter greeted the pratfall

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in upheaval
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order) Darwin's introduction of the theory of evolution created paroxysms in both religion and science that are still being felt today

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of paroxysm Also, stars in this frenzied state aren’t terribly stable; the fusion rate can be tempestuous, and the star undergoes incredibly violent paroxysms. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026 The lack of oxygen sends your body into frenzied paroxysms of cringe. — Hallie Cantor, New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2026 Less than a paroxysm of triumph, Ferran Torres’ winning goal pierced the tension and sent a small pocket of Spain superfans behind the goal into shrieks of relief. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019 Finally, the paroxysms of violence across the arc of instability from North Africa to South Asia have led some observers to conclude that disorder in the Middle East could threaten the entire global order. — Jake Sullivan, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2018 See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysm
  1. explosion
  2. upheaval
  3. outburst
  4. unrest
  5. burst
  6. revolution
  7. eruption
  8. convulsion
Noun
  • Iranian state media reported explosions being heard on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and in the nearby mainland area of Bandar Abbas.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
  • In August, 38 people were killed when a Russian drone strike on an ammunition depot near the capital triggered a large fire and multiple explosions that lasted hours in a residential area near Kyiv.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • Tennessee is 7-34 since the beginning of the 2024 season and has seen constant upheaval throughout the organization.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Yormark’s hiring at the Big 12 marked a broader shift in how college conferences have approached leadership amid unprecedented financial and structural upheaval.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of upheaval
Noun
  • The fines could be rescinded if the coaches avoid sideline outbursts for the rest of the season, as the league calls for more civil interactions between coaches, players and officials.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • From harassing Brady over his divorce from Gisele Bündchen on social media to trying to be a rapper and much more, Brown’s post-football life has been one filled with public outbursts and controversial statements and stunts.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of outburst
Noun
  • The unrest began after high school students took to the streets last month to denounce poor conditions and resources at their campuses.
    — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Those clashes came as social unrest has set Europe's streets ablaze from France and Italy to Spain and Portugal, fueled by youth frustration over the state of public education, social services and the high cost of housing.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of unrest
Noun
  • This nebula, called the Red Spider Nebula, is scuttling around space while its central star, glowing bright red in the middle, ejects bursts of gas and dust.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, the city has been marked with a recent burst of violence as some criticize Quiroz for failing to carry on her partner’s fight against crime.
    — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of burst
Noun
  • The avant-garde revolution of the ’60s produced many visionary jazz musicians, but few were able to perform at both Carnegie Hall and the White House.
    — Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Robert, Ryan, and Kirby Carlisle are three engineers who worked at SpaceX during the Falcon 9 era, seeing the revolution in the global launch industry from the inside.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of revolution
Noun
  • The consultants were meant to serve as independent experts to mediate any disagreements within the agency over what to do about the wastewater eruptions, according to current and former commission officials.
    — Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Douglas, who played 44 of the 65 offensive snaps, became the seventh Dolphins rookie in history to catch multiple touchdowns in a game; De’Von Achane was the last, in the 70-point eruption against Denver in 2023.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of eruption
Noun
  • Thierry Wizman, global FX and rates strategist at Macquarie Group, argued in a note Tuesday that a series of convulsions would have to occur for France to get its act together and appease the bond market.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The invasive form can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, balance loss and convulsions.
    — Eva Flowe October 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of convulsion

Browse Nearby Words

paroling
paroxysm
paroxysmal
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Cite this Entry

“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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