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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During the commotion, the agent’s shaky cellphone video shows houses along the street and views of the sky.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
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In the heat of the moment, though, Certa was clearly walking after one of the officials, but Shrewsberry came barreling in as the official turned around to see the commotion.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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Heavy snow and strong wind gusts up to 40 mph will create hazardous travel conditions in northern El Paso County, according to the warning.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Investigators said the fire was sparked following a domestic disturbance that led a woman to burn her boyfriend’s clothing in a barbecue pit on an apartment patio, FOX26 Houston reported.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
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The country’s strong standing in safety could stem from several factors, including societal structure, strict laws, and cultural focus on harmony, which keep street crime and public disturbances very low.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Both teams scored 14 points in that final period, with Matthew Stafford’s 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson the killing blow with 38 seconds left.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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This latest disaster will be framed by some as another blow to Minnesota's reputation.—
Phil Morris The Minnesota Star Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Hurricanes did apply pressure, recording six quarterback hurries, but wasn’t able to finish those plays.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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This one starts with that shelter imploding under the strength of a massive radiation storm that displaces the Garrity clan in a hurry, and leaves them on a lifeboat to Europe in the wretched hope that someone on the continent will offer them a safe place to plant new roots.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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With roomy bike lanes peppered throughout downtown, exploring is a breeze.—
Kathryn Streeter,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
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But what must feel like a Herculean task for a young actor navigating sudden fame looked like a breeze for Williams, who walked Fallon around his own set (and onto his knees) like the Canadian owned the whole damn building.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The project will receive nearly $70 million in tax-increment financing that created a stir among rival casino properties in Reno and was ultimately approved in a 5-2 vote last May by the city’s redevelopment agency.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
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The hot egg coffee might look a bit murky, but is very sweet and creamy, with a layer of coffee at the bottom that gives a strong hit at the end despite a good stir.—
Arundhati Hazra,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
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 12 Jan. 2026.
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