1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the surprise verdict of the jury created a wild williwaw as reporters rushed to file their stories
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gust
a sudden brief rush of wind
a williwaw rose up seemingly out of nowhere and wreaked havoc with our campsite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of williwaw
The williwaw, a gale-force wind that came rolling down the mountain gathering speed, was depicted as a whorled cloud.
—
Nancy Lord, Anchorage Daily News, 18 Sep. 2022
The williwaw gusts swirled thick fog among transport ships off Attu Island, and the waiting infantrymen nervously mulled the name of their landing site: Massacre Bay.
—Alex Horton, Washington Post, 24 May 2018
Nancy Lord, Anchorage Daily News, 18 Sep. 2022
The williwaw gusts swirled thick fog among transport ships off Attu Island, and the waiting infantrymen nervously mulled the name of their landing site: Massacre Bay.
—Alex Horton, Washington Post, 24 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for williwaw
Noun
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Actual Vancouverites barely stood by to watch the commotion.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
23 Oct. 2025
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On the other side, there was just as much commotion, but these conversations were almost hysterical — and far uglier.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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The strongest wind gusts were reported over coastal ridges in excess of 75 mph.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, the Kansas City Police Department is investigating other possible charges related to the disturbance.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
3 Nov. 2025
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The medication is also sometimes prescribed for nightmares and other sleep disturbances caused by post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the AP.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
1 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Michael Owens / Getty Images A struggling Chicago Bears defense was dealt another blow Monday with news that defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo tore his Achilles and is going to miss the rest of the season.—
Kevin Fishbain,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
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The rain came down sideways, the temperature dipped from the 50s to the 40s, and Inter Miami’s playoff hopes took a big blow on Saturday night as Lionel Messi and his teammates lost 2-1 on the road to Nashville SC.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Unfortunately, to save time, someone who is always in a hurry with limited time for exercise except weekends may be in the habit of leaping into vigorous exercise without warming up properly.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
30 Oct. 2025
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Christian Barmore led with four hurries and Milton Williams had three, but Gabriel was hit just twice.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Iguazú Falls Landing in Foz do Iguaçu was a breeze.—
Taylor McIntyre,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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Tries a first flight from the escarpment, a learner breeze across the valley, and realises – wow!—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Lily Allen‘s new album West End Girl is causing a stir online.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
28 Oct. 2025
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Cake mix cookies are a busy baker's dream—just stir, scoop, bake, and enjoy!—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Winners that scud through the court from all directions.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
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In low, clear water when trout are spooky, a bait presented on a dry fly or scud hook will drift more naturally with the current and that can mean the difference between a take and a pass.—
Joe Cermele,
Outdoor Life,
7 Mar. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Williwaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/williwaw. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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