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
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
CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
Some squall lines can produce tornadoes, too.
—Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 15 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
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
Some squall lines can produce tornadoes, too.
—Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 15 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
-
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,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Some storms could produce hail larger than 3 inches in diameter, especially with stronger rotating cells.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In his opening arguments, Haytham Faraj, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said Valentina and her mother had hidden in a changing room on the second floor amid the commotion of the police response.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
In the commotion, Tepikian said another car hit her SUV at the intersection of West Pennway, West 21st and Summit streets.—
Eleanor Nash
Updated May 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
Pulido told the crowd, before scratching his signature onto the brim and handing it to Jimena, who pumped it in the air and shrieked with joy.—
Jesús Rodríguez,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
-
The Bob Baker Marionettes knew their audience very well — the crowd shrieked along to the chorus.—
Rebecca Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One version of the nation’s history anchors itself in the efforts to navigate those tempests, to better the imperfect tools bequeathed to us by imperfect men.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
For now, Buttigieg has chosen to wait out the tempests in Traverse City, the hometown of his husband, Chasten, a former schoolteacher.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But, in historic gold-rush regions, prospectors use it to identify disturbances in the landscape that are suggestive of former mining operations, in the hope of finding overlooked stores.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Talks to purchase the animals began months before the April disturbance, and Simmons said her group wasn’t connected to the protests.—
David Fischer,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
As the recording, which lasts over an hour, continues, Athena’s screams can be heard.—
Jamie Stengle,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
The audio recording captured the sounds of the ensuing attack, including banging, screaming, crying and choking.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 May 2026
-
The National Weather Service’s forecast for Miami Gardens predicts a 90% chance of rain, possibly 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of precipitation and chances of a thunderstorm increasing as the day continues.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Arteta sprinted off to retrieve the ball like a man possessed, in a hurry.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
-
Topped with special sauce and pickle slices, these will be gone in a hurry.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squall. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
