1
as in storm
a disturbance of the atmosphere accompanied by wind and often by precipitation (as rain or snow)
a snow squall is expected tonight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the annual squall created when the store holds its biggest sale of the year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of squall
Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
The main concern for this week is the possibility of snow showers and squalls coming in Wednesday, which could affect travel.
—Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 10 Dec. 2024
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
His strangled, squalling voice can make a rant about toasters sound like a cry for help.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for squall
Noun
Significant accumulation from the squall is not expected because temperatures will be well above freezing and rain will have fallen throughout much of the event in the city, NBC Boston reports.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
The main concern for this week is the possibility of snow showers and squalls coming in Wednesday, which could affect travel.
—Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
Not because that is anybody’s intention but because our little, squalling selves are born to messy people.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
His strangled, squalling voice can make a rant about toasters sound like a cry for help.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for squall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squall
Noun
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Shower and storm chances return as well -- stay tuned, and do your best to stay cool.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
-
The outages came after monsoon storms moved across the state, bringing heavy rain, wind and flash flooding risk.—
Sasha Hupka,
AZCentral.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
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The bus driver heard the commotion, pulled over and told everyone to get off.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
12 July 2025
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Despite the commotion and all the onlookers, Monica does not recall anyone else trying to break up the altercation.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Three days before the biggest fireworks holiday of the year, the building exploded, sparking a fire that raged across the flat valley floor amid the sounds of fireworks popping and shrieking.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 July 2025
-
Gypsy’s famous stage mother, played by shrieking Audra McDonald, is racialized in Broadway’s latest instance of gaslighting.—
Armond White,
National Review,
13 June 2025
Noun
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These accoutrements saved our weekend when a late-May tempest blew across Colorado’s San Luis Valley one night.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside Online,
26 June 2025
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People caught in the tempest discovered the limits of human control.—
Ethan Wolin
Updated July 4,
Sacbee.com,
4 July 2025
Noun
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Officers responded to a report of a disturbance involving someone with a gun, according to the department’s initial news release.—
Laura Bauer
July 12,
Kansas City Star,
12 July 2025
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According to Bessette, a preliminary investigation found that a disturbance outside involving a group of individuals led to the shooting.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Elderly residents rushed to their windows to scream and beg for help as smoke filled the hallways.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
14 July 2025
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Golden Goose screams effortless cool girl with the unique, layered designs that demand a double take.—
April Benshosan,
Glamour,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
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This summer also has been notable for its lack of monsoonal moisture — weather that can cause uncomfortably high humidity and trigger thunderstorms in the local mountains.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Getting pulled over and receiving a ticket can put a damper on a road trip in a hurry.—
Will McGough,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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The slip-on design is ideal for getting through TSA in a hurry without worrying about tying your laces in the chaos of the airport, and they’re crafted with cushy foam insoles to enhance your comfort with every step.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squall. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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