squall 1 of 2

noun

Definition of squallnext
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

squall

2 of 2

verb

ˈskwȯl How to pronounce squall (audio)
as in to shriek
to cry out loudly and emotionally the baby squalled in pain

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 squall
Noun
Both schooners sank around the time of strong squalls, though the exact cause of the sinkings has not been fully determined. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 But in the squall of war, Etna’s talents also beget inexorable demands. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Verb
The workweek is followed by an Arctic cold front with snow showers and squalls likely late Friday before the bottom falls out once again, which brings us to the weekend. — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 Unlike longer-lasting snowstorms, squalls move fast and can catch drivers off guard, especially when roads appear mostly clear just moments before conditions deteriorate. — Brandi D. Addison, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for squall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squall
  1. storm
  2. commotion
  3. shriek
  4. tempest
  5. disturbance
  6. scream
  7. thunderstorm
  8. hurry
Noun
  • After the initial blast, which spews out gamma rays, a storm of radiation pours into the surrounding galaxy, creating a ferocious afterglow that burns in every part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • After this week’s storm, temperatures are expected to climb back into the upper 70s and low 80s through the weekend.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of storm
Noun
  • In the commotion, she was briefly separated from her 85-year-old mother, who lives with her.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • That allowed passengers to hear the commotion and discover what was happening.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of commotion
Verb
  • Children crowded the play areas, despite the damp, gray weather, shrieking with joy (and in one instance, crying).
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
  • This power plant is Mercedes-AMG’s new-generation M177 EVO, enhanced and enlivened by a flat-plane crankshaft, a feature normally associated with shrieking supercar engines.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of shriek
Noun
  • Something similar must also occur amid the virtual tempest of higher temperatures.
    — Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
  • We’re told that Robert tried to swim after his parents in the middle of a tempest while holding his war hammer.
    — Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of tempest
Noun
  • The vote, which is veto-proof, was met with praise by animal rights groups and park advocates who have long called for the ban citing several incidents where horses crashed or caused disturbances.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • There’s also a second disturbance several hundred miles east-southeast of Bermuda that could develop through Friday while moving north-northeast, the hurricane center advisory said.
    — Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of disturbance
Verb
  • Bizarrely, Jones wasn't happy about it, immediately shoving Cullen's hand off him and starting a screaming match.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • In Whalefall, Abrams screams and thrashes with the same vulnerability, and a few more inner demons.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of scream
Noun
  • The National Weather Service in Flagstaff didn’t issue a tornado warning before impact, but issued a severe thunderstorm warning after radar suggests the tornado was already on the ground.
    — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Rain was falling as a thunderstorm moved through Dellona at the time of the crash.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of thunderstorm
Noun
  • The pass rush couldn’t get close to Chambliss (no sacks, 4 hurries), who was able to find receivers exploiting Missouri’s zone coverage.
    — PJ Green October 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Defensive tackle Will Echoles consistently disrupted the Missouri offensive front for five tackles, two broken up passes, one sack and one quarterback hurry.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurry

Browse Nearby Words

squalidness
squall
squalled
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Cite this Entry

“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squall. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on squall

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about squall

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