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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This decision to stop progress on Be Fri came in late 2023, months after Toy Story prequel movie Lightyear was a box office misfire in light of right-wing pundits causing commotion over its same-gender kiss.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2026
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The high-gloss finish of each nail also deserves some commotion.—
Emily Kelleher,
InStyle,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Just around the corner, strong gusts tore shingles from a home, leaving them strewn across the yard.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
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Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Additionally, 57 percent of acreage uses no-till or conservation tillage, minimizing soil disturbance to reduce erosion, improve water infiltration and lower fuel use.—
SJ Studio,
Footwear News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
An active weather pattern returns by the end of the week due to a southerly wind, an increase in moisture, and a few different disturbances.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The development marks a blow to Washington’s support for Orban’s reelection and comes after Magyar’s Tisza party was viewed as the favorite to win in the April 12 election, holding a 10-point lead over the ruling Fidesz party, according to Politico’s polling analysis.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Apr. 2026
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Freiburg and Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi received a blow to his knee late in the game and needed support to walk off the field afterward.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But that could get much worse in a hurry if prices rise sharply.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
6 Apr. 2026
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However, these champions are not in a hurry to achieve this remarkable feat.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Temperatures warm into the upper 60s and 70s on Friday afternoon, with a gusty south breeze.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Church bells ring briefly each quarter hour to sound time, their melodic peals blending with ocean breezes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Simply gather all the ingredients, pile everything into your slow cooker, stir, and set.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 2026
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The public-private project has caused a stir in Charlestown.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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 14 Apr. 2026.
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