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
  • Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, according to state media.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Deep ocean recordings blend with orchestral timpani, distant explosions, vibrations and the recorded buzzing of bees.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • Opera Carolina lawsuits and turnover Opera Carolina has seen significant upheaval since 2024, including public and internal criticism over questions regarding nepotism and the leadership structure.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso July 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
  • Cassidy grilled both Schwartz and Kaufman at a committee hearing last week, questioning whether Schwartz would have autonomy in her role after CDC upheaval last year and raising Kaufman’s past remarks about vaccines.
    — Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Definition of upheaval
Noun
  • Moreover, these outbursts regularly occur whenever Black people are cast in popular feature films and series.
    — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • The family routinely visits the site, a tradition that’s often the cause of emotional outbursts.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 24 July 2026
Definition of outburst
Noun
  • Protesters have been calling for accountability after allegations entrance exams to esteemed medical schools had been leaked and sold, with the unrest led by a youth campaign known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Los Angeles was the site of significant unrest following raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
    — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of unrest
Noun
  • But Korea is not experiencing large capital inflows or persistent currency appreciation seen in Japan a few years before the bubble burst, giving the Bank of Korea greater flexibility to calibrate policy.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • Over the 2000s, the dot-com bubble burst, a housing bubble burst, and the Great Recession followed.
    — Zachary Christensen, Oc Register, 24 July 2026
Definition of burst
Noun
  • First, a Reuters report discusses electricity suppliers needed to cover new global data centers (which has created its own revolution).
    — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • By the 1960s, both Holman and Clift were too deeply scarred to benefit from the decade’s social revolutions.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of revolution
Noun
  • Geologist and science communicator Chris Jackson, for instance, is on hand to clear up any misconceptions the general public might have about the eruption and its aftermath.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
  • However, this potential sky show isn’t a result of a coronal mass ejection (CME), the intense solar eruptions responsible for some of the most widespread aurora events in recent years.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Definition of eruption
Noun
  • Later Wednesday, Mexico City Health Secretary Nadine Gasman, told a news conference that another man, about 30, was treated by emergency personnel after suffering an epileptic seizure, convulsions, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • It is known to cause neurological problems, convulsions and comas, with children particularly at risk.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of paroxysm for Spanish Speakers

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