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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of squall
Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
Brought in on June 7 after protests in L.A. over a squall of harsh ICE raids on undocumented immigrants, Trump took over the Golden State National Guard first without seemingly properly informing Newsom.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 17 June 2025
Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for squall
Noun
His excellent band can walk a squall of droning guitars and pedal steel into an abrupt stop, hover a second, then surge forward as one, without sounding rehearsed.
—Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
Brought in on June 7 after protests in L.A. over a squall of harsh ICE raids on undocumented immigrants, Trump took over the Golden State National Guard first without seemingly properly informing Newsom.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 17 June 2025
Verb
But there instead was wee Elizabeth, squalling in her arms.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for squall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squall
Noun
-
In addition to preserving natural ecosystems and the sustainable fisheries that depend on them, reefs may help to protect coastlines from storms and floods, which will become ever more urgent as climate change and rising sea levels give rise to more dangerous storms.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
31 Oct. 2025
-
After several major storms led to erosion, those seats have been moved up to a little bluff, just in front of the two pools (thankfully, the beautiful view remains the same).—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Actual Vancouverites barely stood by to watch the commotion.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
23 Oct. 2025
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On the other side, there was just as much commotion, but these conversations were almost hysterical — and far uglier.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Screaming and shrieking, the drama between the bridesmaids is thick.—
Bryan West,
Nashville Tennessean,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Once all is shrieked and done, though, what’s left is a faux-prestige screed that’s 100 percent #OhHellNo!—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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This week, Kenvue, the consumer health spin-off from Johnson & Johnson, found itself at the epicenter of a market tempest this week.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
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The tempest over the logo began last week, when the company announced plans for a simplified design featuring only the company’s name.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, the Kansas City Police Department is investigating other possible charges related to the disturbance.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
3 Nov. 2025
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The medication is also sometimes prescribed for nightmares and other sleep disturbances caused by post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the AP.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
1 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In the end, McGovern included clips from early morning airport chaos, rain on the Hawaiian beaches, the aftermath of a bloody lip and plenty of screaming and crying.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Momentum indicators aren't screaming buy at current levels.—
Jay Woods,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Uranus retrograde in Gemini, on the other hand, is equivalent to a mental thunderstorm, flooding our minds with questions and curiosities.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Surface winds are 58 mph (50 knots) or greater in a thunderstorm.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Unfortunately, to save time, someone who is always in a hurry with limited time for exercise except weekends may be in the habit of leaping into vigorous exercise without warming up properly.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
30 Oct. 2025
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Christian Barmore led with four hurries and Milton Williams had three, but Gabriel was hit just twice.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squall. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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