storm 1 of 2

1
as in thunderstorm
a disturbance of the atmosphere accompanied by wind and often by precipitation (as rain or snow) a winter storm bringing about six inches of snow

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2
as in barrage
a heavy fall of objects police had to endure a storm of rocks and bricks hurled by the rioters

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3
4
5
as in rain
a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity the storm caused major damage to our barn

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6
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling a storm of indignation and demands for his resignation arose when the mayor's dishonesty was exposed

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7

storm

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to rain
to fall as water in a continuous stream of drops from the clouds it storms so frequently up in the mountains that the peaks are rarely visible from the valley below

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
as in to steam
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger by the time we arrived, our hostess was storming because dinner was ruined

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb storm contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of storm are assail, assault, attack, and bombard. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

When might assail be a better fit than storm?

While in some cases nearly identical to storm, assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

Where would assault be a reasonable alternative to storm?

In some situations, the words assault and storm are roughly equivalent. However, assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When would attack be a good substitute for storm?

The words attack and storm can be used in similar contexts, but attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When can bombard be used instead of storm?

The words bombard and storm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

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 storm
Noun
These deep root systems help these plants survive challenging conditions and retain water, hold soil in place, and help absorb floodwaters in storm events. Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 9 May 2025 Assessing the impact of weather events fueled by the planet’s warming is key as insurance premiums hike, particularly in communities more prone to flooding, storms and fires. Alexa St. John, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Verb
Sasse, a former U.S. senator with little higher education experience before he was tapped as UF’s president, was greeted by a swarm of protestors who stormed the alumni hall’s lobby after a meeting with students ended. Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025 In February and March, stars like Bad Bunny, the Weeknd, PartyNextDoor and Drake, Lady Gaga, and Playboi Carti stormed to No. 1 with new releases. Elias Leight, Billboard, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for storm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for storm
Noun
  • The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025
  • Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Medics said most of the dead, including women and children, resulted from a barrage of Israeli airstrikes that targeted several houses in the Jabalia area in northern Gaza.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Much like two nights earlier, Skinner wasn’t tested with a barrage of high-quality chances.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The news spread quickly, and the prospect of IDR payments doubling or tripling for some married borrowers led to a flurry of questions, distress on social media, and even talk of extreme measures.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • In a flurry of diplomatic developments over the weekend, Russia shunned the ceasefire proposal tabled by the U.S. and European leaders, but offered direct talks with Ukraine on Thursday.
    Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Despite the commotion their accidental twinning caused online, Roach — who was filmed cooly reacting to seeing Sawai on the carpet — confirms that the vibes are all good not only between the two stars, but also between himself and Sawai's stylist.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 14 May 2025
  • Many things emboldened me to create this commotion.
    Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Visit after a hard rain for the most dramatic cascades.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
  • That's precisely where most of Titan’s lakes and seas are located — probably replenished by methane and ethane rain.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • In addition to the fatalities, over 260 people were injured in the explosions, and at least 17 people lost limbs.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 10 May 2025
  • Residents living near Srinagar city’s airport, which is also an air base, said they were rattled by the explosions and booming sound of jets.
    Riazat Butt, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Of course, the most consequential threat to the traditional home of TV and film production is the dramatic upheaval in the foundational business models for U.S. TV and film.
    Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
  • Between the revolving door of coaches and the roster upheaval this season, the Rangers have been anything but stable.
    Arthur Staple, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • In the weeks between Passover and Shavuot, a plague raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva and on Lag BaOmer, the dying ceased.
    Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2025
  • Pope Francis frequently called for peace in Ukraine, and the relationship became strained as the conflict raged on.
    Dan Gooding Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/storm. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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