1
as in bursts
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling
a paroxysm of laughter greeted the pratfall
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in upheavals
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 paroxysms
The post is now nearing a hundred million views and inspiring paroxysms of millennial self-reckoning.
—
Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2025
Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysms
Noun
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The team layered multiple types of hydrogels, including water-rich, conductive materials, in a precise pattern that mimics the ionic processes electric eels use to produce bursts of electricity.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
-
At Café Pasqual’s, the James Beard Award-winning eatery in the heart of downtown, every dish bursts with the vibrant flavors of organic, farm-to-table ingredients.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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These are among the many questions posed by Simon Morrison’s sprawling biography of place, which seeks to understand a nation through the life of its largest city, tracing Moscow’s evolution via dozens of historical upheavals, from war, famine, drought, and much, much more.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
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Evans’ historic eight terms as the first Black chief judge saw the county through reforms, changes and upheavals including the elimination of cash bail and the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Noun
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These comments are not isolated outbursts.—
Andrew Weinstein,
Time,
28 Jan. 2026
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The film shows how Davidson, with the help of friends played by Maxine Peake and Peter Mullan — the latter who is nominated in BAFTA’s Supporting Actor category — learned how to try and control his outbursts.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For nearly a millennia and half, even in the centuries when physicians were beginning to supplant priests in treating the ill, epileptic convulsions (unexpected, frightening, enigmatic) remained the territory of the priest.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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Formed in England in the mid-1600s, the Religious Society of Friends became known for the tremors and convulsions that would overtake its members during prayer.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In addition to tremors emanating from within the planet, these sensors detect explosions, traffic vibrations and even the vocalizations made by whales in the oceans.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Ultimately, however, the shuttle flew a total of 135 missions with two explosions, resulting in 14 total casualties.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Yet as neat and tidy as this sounds, such revolutions — especially those supported by outside interference — rarely proceed tidily.—
Robert Muggah,
Fortune,
5 Jan. 2026
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The talk will encompass later American revolutions which related directly to principles expounded on in the Declaration of Independence such as abolition and women’s suffrage and civil rights.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After eruptions in the 18th century buried farmland under ash, growers adapted by digging large pits called hoyos.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Much of the production is supremely pleasant to listen to, but just as hazy and confused as the plot, splitting between spacey expanses of synth and dramatic eruptions.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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That includes against flood, fire and even earthquakes.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysms. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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