Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective convulsive contrast with its synonyms?

The words fitful and spasmodic are common synonyms of convulsive. While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

Where would fitful be a reasonable alternative to convulsive?

Although the words fitful and convulsive have much in common, fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

How do spasmodic and fitful relate to one another, in the sense of convulsive?

Spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.

spasmodic growth

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 convulsive Patel’s past proposals, if carried out, would lead to convulsive change for an agency tasked not only with investigating violations of federal law but also protecting the country from terrorist attacks, foreign espionage and other threats. Eric Tucker and Alan Suderman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024 Coming at the end of a convulsive final day in Baku, Azerbaijan, the conclusion of the Conference of the Parties was greeted by applause. Antonio Piemontese, WIRED, 25 Nov. 2024 Americans are sleepwalking toward convulsive pain, a consequence of decades of easy money policies to prevent minor pains. George F. Will, Washington Post, 21 June 2024 In the 1890s, amid the convulsive changes of the industrial era and an upsurge in labor conflict and farmers’ political organizing, nearly four million African Americans were stripped of their voting rights. Suzanne Mettler, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2020 See All Example Sentences for convulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulsive
Adjective
  • Overanalyzing every win and loss will make your journey feel more turbulent than necessary.
    Nelson Chu, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Interesting, turbulent life (including 22 years in prison).
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The ads target the state House Democrats over taxes and violent crime, as well as women’s and girl’s safety.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Related: Trump administration captured 'very violent' top street gang leader.
    Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In other words, if Instagram had even somewhat appeared as a future threat to Facebook or Facebook’s competition, there would have been a ferocious bidding war for Instagram that would have pushed its purchase price far, far above $1 billion.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • There’s scenario No. 1: Either Carter, a ferocious All-American pass rusher, or Hunter, a generational wide receiver-cornerback hybrid, is available, and the Patriots can add a premium talent at a position of need in what can only be described as a front-office dream.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Melania Trump has courted controversy, garnered attention for her fashion Trump's fashion choices are the subject of fierce controversy and constant attention.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Orlando City and Atlanta United will meet on Saturday in a fierce rivalry MLS matchup, a game soccer fans in the U.S. won't want to miss.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • At that point, a furious Boone earned himself an ejection from home plate ump Adam Beck, whose zone the manager already had complaints about.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Davis had 23 points at Viejas Arena in a game the Spartans led by 21 before a furious Aztecs rally produced for an improbable 71-68 victory.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Not far away, the rover also found a rock rich in serpentine minerals, which typically form when water interacts with certain volcanic rocks.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • It’s located with direct access to spectacular waterfalls, Mount Rinjani for volcanic hikes and water sports near the Gill islands.
    Michelle Tchea, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her audience is rabid — this writer among them — for her one-of-a-kind blend of Great American Songbook musical styles and twentysomething-relevant lyrics.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025
  • For all that, Graves can thank his limited menu, which helps keep costs down, and the chain’s rabid fanbase.
    Chase Peterson-Withorn, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Convulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulsive. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on convulsive

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