Synonyms of paroxysm

paroxysm

noun

ˈper-ək-ˌsi-zəm 

1

as in explosion

a sudden intense expression of strong feeling

a paroxysm of laughter greeted the pratfall

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explosion
• outburst
• burst
• eruption
• spasm
• flash
• gust
• blaze
• gale
• agony
• frenzy
• flare
• flush
• ebullition
• storm
• gush
• fit
• rage
• flare-up
• ecstasy
• delirium
• tantrum
• rapture
• transport
• firestorm
• blowup
• furor
• grouch

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

• upheaval
• unrest
• revolution
• convulsion
• earthquake
• insurrection
• revolt
• uprising
• tempest
• tumult
• storm
• turmoil
• rebellion
• eruption
• cataclysm
• uproar
• mutiny
• stir
• spasm
• outburst
• insurgency
• overthrow
• seizure
• subversion
• bouleversement
• outbreak
• upset
• commotion
• trembling
• to-do
• coil
• pandemonium
• row
• fit
• rout
• bustle
• furor
• shaking
• squall
• quaking
• hubbub
• ruckus
• flare-up
• overturn
• bluster
• rumpus
• rocking
• welter
• stew
• furore
• ruction
• fuss
• hullabaloo
• hurly-burly
• shindy
• bobbery
• williwaw

Example Sentences

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

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