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
Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 16 Jan. 2026
The surges of Arctic air will generate rounds of flurries and squalls in some locations and may assist in creating storms with more widespread snow.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Dec. 2025
Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Not because that is anybody’s intention but because our little, squalling selves are born to messy people.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for squall
Noun
Snow squalls can develop rapidly and will be scattered across the state.
—Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 16 Jan. 2026
The surges of Arctic air will generate rounds of flurries and squalls in some locations and may assist in creating storms with more widespread snow.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Dec. 2025
Verb
But there instead was wee Elizabeth, squalling in her arms.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Not because that is anybody’s intention but because our little, squalling selves are born to messy people.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for squall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squall
Noun
-
Parts of Asheville and surrounding communities still show visible scars from the storm.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Feb. 2026
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An animal cruelty investigation involving two dogs has ignited outrage on social media, after photos revealed the pets were tethered and abandoned during Charlotte’s weekend snow storm.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Several residents and visitors at the scene came out of their units to see what was going on as a result of the commotion in the parking lot.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Feb. 2026
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The incursion feels pointed, but before two Sikh immigrants can be whisked away — men who have lived there a decade or longer — a slight commotion begins.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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McEntire shrieks between laughs, gesturing to the photographer.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Jan. 2026
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Near the launch site, members of the crowd shrieked or stared in disbelief.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The catalyst of the looming tempest is the Morton Amphitheater, which will open this summer in Riverside with 30 or more concerts already on the schedule.—
Dan Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
27 Jan. 2026
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New motherhood is always a maelstrom, but the new new motherhood, it has lately been suggested, has become a tempest of a different, close-to-unbearable order.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Drinking has been found to increase the risk of many cancers, metabolic dysfunction, gut microbiome disturbances and mitochondrial toxins, Hyman said.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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However, these components proved too vulnerable to the extreme conditions, including intense shock waves and aerodynamic disturbances at low altitudes.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Beach’s daughter screamed to responding officers that her children were wounded inside.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
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Let’s talk about the Black Banquet and Yam Yam screaming your name.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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On three days last year, however, there was rain, including a thunderstorm that forced them to close early, Tepper said.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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Thundersnow, a rare weather event, occurs when snow, rather than rain, accompanies a thunderstorm.—
Melina Khan,
Oklahoman,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Paper towels are a household staple and for good reason—they're convenient, disposable, and perfect for tackling spills in a hurry.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
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An adjustable toggle on the back can be tightened to lock in warmth and keep snow from getting in, while the front zipper makes these easy to slip on and off in a hurry.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squall. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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