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

Relevance
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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
  • Extreme rainfall events like this are becoming more common as planet-warming pollution drives temperatures higher, because warmer air holds more moisture – which storms can then wring out like a water-laden sponge in heavy, localized downpours.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • But the storm resulted in more than 2 million TEUs of vessel capacity waiting at berth in north Asian waters outside the two ports, according to a report from container shipping market research firm Linerlytica.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
Definition of storm
Noun
  • Delhi Police said Wangchuk was taken to hospital after his health worsened during the hunger strike, and that a brief commotion occurred when some protesters tried to block the move.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • The commotion was so loud that Netanyahu left the chamber, sitting out the vote entirely.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Definition of commotion
Verb
  • The other customers cowered in the corners, while crowds formed at the windows outside, shrieking and recording the scene on their phones.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
  • Kids are shrieking through their favorite splash pads, faces sticky with Bomb Pop juice and joy.
    — Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 2 July 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
  • The untethered AUVs hover above the seabed instead of dragging equipment across it, reducing sediment disturbance and limiting ecosystem disruption.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
  • The Saharan Air Layer can suppress thunderstorm development and increase atmospheric stability across parts of the tropical Atlantic, temporarily reducing the odds that disturbances develop into tropical storms or hurricanes.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 14 July 2026
Definition of disturbance
Verb
  • The straw materials practically scream summer, crafted to go with all of your beach looks this season.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026
  • Usher went on to remove his leather jacket to reveal a sculpted bare torso, to screams of delight from much of the audience.
    — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026
Definition of scream
Noun
  • The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of thunderstorm
Noun
  • The reader identifies with each friend in turn, then hurries to find out if the other friend understood, disagreed, helped, explained.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • Hargrave also had 31 total pressures, 24 hurries, three quarterback hits and forced one fumble.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 11 July 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 20 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on squall

Nglish: Translation of squall for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about squall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of raffish

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
child-detective
Spot the Misspelled Word July 2026 Those little red underlines can't help you now...
See All