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
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Recent Examples of paroxysm
For Fu, a 24-year-old graduate student in Beijing, this month’s paroxysms don’t change much on the ground.
—
Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2024
Symptoms can include: Runny or stuffed-up nose Low-grade fever
Mild, occasional cough
One to two weeks after symptoms start, people may develop paroxysms, or coughing fits, which can last up to 10 weeks and gradually become worse as the illness continues, NCMS says.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2025
Across the country, campuses were undergoing paroxysms of protest and counter-protest, pulled between the Palestinian and Israeli causes.
—Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
And what ensues is just that: a sloshing, pumping paroxysm of guttural suffering.
—Spin Contributor, SPIN, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2024
Symptoms can include: Runny or stuffed-up nose Low-grade fever
Mild, occasional cough
One to two weeks after symptoms start, people may develop paroxysms, or coughing fits, which can last up to 10 weeks and gradually become worse as the illness continues, NCMS says.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2025
Across the country, campuses were undergoing paroxysms of protest and counter-protest, pulled between the Palestinian and Israeli causes.
—Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
And what ensues is just that: a sloshing, pumping paroxysm of guttural suffering.
—Spin Contributor, SPIN, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysm
Noun
-
An explosion of heated coverage followed the initial report, much of it seemingly reliant on police leaks or pure speculation for sourcing.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
21 May 2025
-
Fire investigators determined the fire and explosion were intentionally set.—
Jeff A. Chamer,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Of course, the most consequential threat to the traditional home of TV and film production is the dramatic upheaval in the foundational business models for U.S. TV and film.—
Howard Homonoff,
Forbes.com,
6 May 2025
-
Rubio told the Herald that the designation was part of America’s responsibility to address the widespread violence and political upheaval in the country.—
Michelle Garcia,
NBC news,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
For more than a year now, the sun has been in the opposite phase—the solar maximum—with a messy magnetic field, plenty of sunspots and regular outbursts.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
9 May 2025
-
The Vikings’ nine-run outburst in the second inning was matched by the Caravan’s six-run fifth.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
Noun
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The Latin American pivot proved timely, offering Gaumont an outlet as the English-speaking market faced post-pandemic labor unrest and economic slowdown.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
7 May 2025
-
Amidst the social unrest shaking France, the fates of Valjean, Cosette, her lover Marius, and Javert become intertwined in a turbulent, revolutionary Paris.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The pair hoped to make progress against urea-cycle disorders – inherited metabolic problems, like KJ’s that leave young children vulnerable to bursts of damaging ammonia.—
Karen Weintraub,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
The 23-year-old has the raw materials to become a decent striker, including a decent burst of acceleration, but needs to play more to develop, which might not happen at Barca.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
The play ushered in a revolution in modern drama not simply because Nora slammed the door on her husband.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2025
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Then came the home recording revolution with audio interfaces that could patch instruments and microphones into a computer for laying down tracks.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
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The eruption can also form new thermal vents and offer a place for these organisms to repopulate.—
Monica Cull,
Discover Magazine,
16 May 2025
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Flames coach Kelly Nangle did not seem surprised by O’Brien’s eruption.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
Mild cases can include muscle aches, tiredness and vomiting and diarrhea, while more severe symptoms may include stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 May 2025
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More severe symptoms include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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