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

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

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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
Political squalls are far easier to shrug off than Britain’s long-term economic problems. — John Stepek, Bloomberg, 20 Apr. 2026 It’s kept me dry during surprise squalls, summer storms, and more. — Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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 Snow squalls in the Detroit area caused a number of car crashes on Interstate 75 on Monday, prompting the Michigan State Police to close the northbound highway and causing major backups for travelers. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 29 Dec. 2025 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
  • Many countries, already facing political storms and serious fiscal problems, will struggle to meaningfully cut their welfare systems or change their spending models, said Andrew Kenningham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • In Taiwan, some farmers rushed to harvest their rice ahead of the storm, which was expected late Friday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Definition of storm
Noun
  • Another trip to Uptown on May 20-21, 1977, causing police to shut Lawrence Avenue down in both directions due to such commotion outside the Aragon Ballroom entrance.
    — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • Hassan was livid on the touchline and was seen making a cross gesture with his arms during all the commotion, a symbol introduced by FIFA for managers to alert the referees of a racist incident.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of commotion
Verb
  • Kids are shrieking through their favorite splash pads, faces sticky with Bomb Pop juice and joy.
    — Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 2 July 2026
  • Say something loudly and calmly — don’t shriek!
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
Definition of shriek
Noun
  • In Homer’s Odyssey, the Greek hero Odysseus must overcome tempests, temptations, mythical monsters, and divine wrath to sail home to the island of Ithaca after the Trojan War.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026
  • You're used to a bit of spontaneity, but this tempest is going to draw extra frustrations around your income, finances, or money matters.
    — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
Definition of tempest
Noun
  • With breaking the sound barrier comes a sonic boom, a massive noise disturbance that led the FAA to ban supersonic flight over land in the first place.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 6 July 2026
  • These persons came to our city with the intent on causing harm, injury, and destruction, bringing harassment, disturbances, and mayhem.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of disturbance
Verb
  • From the outset of the selloff earlier this year, Jim Cramer was screaming from the rooftops that cyber should never have been lumped into run-of-the-mill enterprise software.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • There were no vendors hawking bootleg royal-wedding merch, no screaming lines of fans, not even that many impromptu sing-alongs (some were solicited by journalists looking for content).
    — Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 6 July 2026
Definition of scream
Noun
  • The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2026
  • The storms moved through the region ahead of the morning commute, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a severe thunderstorm warning for Johnson and Wyandotte counties, plus parts of Miami, Leavenworth, Cass and Jackson counties.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
Definition of thunderstorm
Noun
  • Sorrell entered Week 18 with just seven tackles in 13 games, two quarterback hurries and no sacks.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • That can change in a hurry, as this year’s draft week has proved.
    — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on squall

Nglish: Translation of squall for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about squall

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