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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
  • South Korea’s Defense Ministry said the explosion occurred during an unspecified operation near the military demarcation line in the western section of the border buffer zone, commonly known as the DMZ.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Some residents in Riyadh heard an explosion, and later some saw a plume of smoke near the airport.
    — Tucker Reals, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • As in Pachinko, Lee captures the consequences that systemic historical upheavals visit upon private life.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Last year, Georgia Power proposed and received approval for a historic power grid expansion to support data centers that drew the ire of its customers and led to a political upheaval at the PSC.
    — Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of upheaval
Noun
  • But her mental instability was becoming increasingly apparent, leading to outbursts at work and home.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The Bears’ historic 59-point Week 1 outburst means the public is likely to pour money into the over, so this is a great spot to zig when the betting public zags.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of outburst
Noun
  • Instead of calling for calm and letting the justice system work, too many political leaders on the left and progressive social influencers either fanned the flames of unrest or failed to act until enormous damage was done.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Already, many import-dependent countries face shortages, fiscal pressure, and in some cases a difficult choice between cutting fuel subsidies and risking unrest or maintaining them and further weakening public finances.
    — RICHARD HAASS, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of unrest
Noun
  • Rollins made a fantastic outside cut and showed elite burst on the play.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The club music that accompanies Claire’s bodybuilder retinue is funny the first time; less so on subsequent bursts.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of burst
Noun
  • Barring a cultural revolution, its current students will more or less be running the country from about 2045 to 2070.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Alongside this, spurred by the digital revolution, Italian culture is shifting away from solitary individualism towards a rekindled sense of community.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of revolution
Noun
  • If the caldera had collapsed after the eruption, the landslide deposits should lie on top of the pyroclastic layers.
    — Yook Ji Hun, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Charred to a crisp during Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in AD 79, hundreds of papyrus scrolls lie tucked away unread in Italy’s National Library of Naples.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of eruption
Noun
  • Signs of infection include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss and paralysis.
    — Esther Launstein, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But in some cases, West Nile can reach the brain and cause extreme headaches, meningitis, tremors, convulsions and paralysis.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 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 25 Sep. 2026.

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