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
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Recent Examples of squall
NPR,
4 Apr. 2026
People were making so much money, being greedy, but a squall was coming, one that could morph into a Cat 5 hurricane any minute.
—
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
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
Noun
Fog rolls in off the sea, rain clouds form against the steep volcanic slopes and squalls appear without warning.
—
NPR,
4 Apr. 2026
People were making so much money, being greedy, but a squall was coming, one that could morph into a Cat 5 hurricane any minute.
—
CNBC,
27 Mar. 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
Noun
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Eagle avoided the brunt of the storm as the crew navigated toward open ocean.
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Local Idaho agencies have spent days addressing storm damage caused by a low-pressure system from the Gulf of Alaska that brought winds over 50 mph, lightning, hail and more than an inch of rain to some areas.
Noun
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With some flashing lights, this thing flying around in the sky would cause quite a commotion.
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Any browns feeding there are less likely to have been spooked by the commotion.
Verb
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Say something loudly and calmly — don’t shriek!
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Fans shrieked and hollered as every player in the realmwide war — Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), Prince Daemon (Matt Smith), the Sea Snake (Steve Toussaint) and his nemesis Lohar (Abigail Thorn) — popped up.
Noun
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You're used to a bit of spontaneity, but this tempest is going to draw extra frustrations around your income, finances, or money matters.
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SpaceX, privately held, was insulated from that PR tempest.
Noun
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Even tiny electromagnetic disturbances can disrupt the quantum states that perform calculations, reducing the accuracy and reliability of the system.
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However, about 15 minutes into the flight, a pilot reported a passenger disturbance to air traffic control.
Verb
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Police said that after the girl screamed, the video shows a man getting into his vehicle and driving away.
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The couple’s relationship began with a friendship bracelet and a podcast shout-out in July 2023, and by September Swift was screaming profanities in support of her new favorite football player.
Noun
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The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
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More than 72 million were under severe thunderstorm watches on Saturday, according to federal forecasters, with the unsettled cells capable of producing winds 65 mph and greater, as well as quarter-sized hail.
Noun
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Sorrell entered Week 18 with just seven tackles in 13 games, two quarterback hurries and no sacks.
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That can change in a hurry, as this year’s draft week has proved.
Cite this Entry
“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squall. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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