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
  • Simon has weakened to a Category 2 storm, its eye remaining just offshore as its most powerful winds and rain slammed communities between the Sierra Madre and the ocean and were forecast to persist off the coast of Puerto Vallarta.
    — JAIMIE DING, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Typically, when embroiled in these sorts of escalating back-and-forths, Larry’s go-to move was the quit-and-storm-off.
    — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 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
  • On the lawn, a mechanical bull bounced shrieking children into the air.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The addition of the electric guitar, drums and Jack White’s shrieking vocals transformed it into a rock song, while also keeping its signature folksiness.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of shriek
Noun
  • 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
  • Although Congress doesn’t pass many laws these days, the White House has been a furious tempest of executive orders.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of tempest
Noun
  • And in an unrelated incident on the morning of June 9, 2026, Jackson was arrested after Los Angeles police responded to a domestic disturbance call at his West Hills home late the previous night.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Jacobs was arrested May 26, three days after police officers came to his Wisconsin home to investigate a disturbance.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of disturbance
Verb
  • In June 2016, Blair, who was returning to Los Angeles from a vacation in Cancun, Mexico, began screaming uncontrollably and causing chaos on the flight.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Back in California, Dodgers fans screamed at their television sets.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of scream
Noun
  • Rain was falling as a thunderstorm moved through Dellona at the time of the crash.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • There is a 20% chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm this afternoon, with better coverage north and west of the metroplex into Wednesday night.
    — Damien Lodes, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of thunderstorm
Noun
  • Don’t worry, the breakdown starts in a hurry and Cardellini is terrifying, if perhaps not as sympathetic as the series requires long-term.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Jahkeem Stewart played after being listed as a game-time decision on the injury report and recorded a quarterback hurry.
    — Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurry

Browse Nearby Words

squalidness
squall
squalled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squall. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on squall

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about squall

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