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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This chain reaction — a photoelectric feedback loop — produces intense radiation bursts of X-rays and gamma rays that can reach deep space.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Try setting a timer for yourself and seeing how much you can get done in quick bursts (with breaks in between, of course).—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At a planning board meeting in January, an opponent of One Boca cited the upheavals of the last century and asked how anyone could approve a long-term plan given the uncertainty the next hundred years may bring.—
Jason Haber,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2026
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So Old So Young by Grant Ginder Over twenty years and five parties, six college friends reunite again and again, believing their bond will outlast the upheavals of adulthood.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But the sun is a relatively quiet star, and Earth's magnetic field is strong enough to protect our planet against those outbursts.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
3 Mar. 2026
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Dark skies will improve the chances of spotting any brief outbursts or brighter meteors.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But the more-severe version is life-threatening, according to the FDA, and symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
26 Feb. 2026
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Infected animals often have tremors, convulsions, seizures and muscle weakness, Johnson said.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Multiple explosions were heard in Tehran, with blasts lighting up the sky and turning it orange, according to reports from the Iranian capital.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
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Grainy black-and-white videos show explosions destroying Iran’s ships, missiles and missile launchers.—
Susan Shelley,
Oc Register,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Technological revolutions can bring economic transformation, particularly for those nations and geographies that have too often been left behind in the past.—
Kamal Ahmed,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
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Van der Poel took the group with him until there were 16km remaining before attacking over the Muur van Geraardsbergen, blowing up the group with what felt like about eight revolutions of his pedals.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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However, the eruptions grew stronger in the 1980s and 1990s, reaching heights of up to 75 feet and lasting over 90 minutes, before slowing down in the early 2000s.—
Munis Raza,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
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There were a few eruptions over the following years, but the geyser was largely inactive.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 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,
7 Mar. 2026
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The Arabian and Eurasian plates continue to move toward each other at around 20 millimeters a year, sometimes triggering deadly earthquakes.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysms. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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