1
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling
a paroxysm of laughter greeted the pratfall
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in upheaval
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
Darwin's introduction of the theory of evolution created paroxysms in both religion and science that are still being felt today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paroxysm
Sudden fits or attacks, known as paroxysms, of rapid coughs.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
For Fu, a 24-year-old graduate student in Beijing, this month’s paroxysms don’t change much on the ground.
—Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2024
Symptoms can include: Runny or stuffed-up nose Low-grade fever
Mild, occasional cough
One to two weeks after symptoms start, people may develop paroxysms, or coughing fits, which can last up to 10 weeks and gradually become worse as the illness continues, NCMS says.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2025
Across the country, campuses were undergoing paroxysms of protest and counter-protest, pulled between the Palestinian and Israeli causes.
—Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
For Fu, a 24-year-old graduate student in Beijing, this month’s paroxysms don’t change much on the ground.
—Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2024
Symptoms can include: Runny or stuffed-up nose Low-grade fever
Mild, occasional cough
One to two weeks after symptoms start, people may develop paroxysms, or coughing fits, which can last up to 10 weeks and gradually become worse as the illness continues, NCMS says.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2025
Across the country, campuses were undergoing paroxysms of protest and counter-protest, pulled between the Palestinian and Israeli causes.
—Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysm
Noun
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The explosion of betting options signals the next stage of growth for U.S. sports betting, shifting from wagers placed before a game to betting during a game.—
Brendan Coffey,
Sportico.com,
15 June 2025
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Photo taken after an explosion in downtown Tehran amid Israel's two-day campaign of strikes against Iran on June 15.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Noun
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His resignation, fueled by discontent over his family’s apparent lavish spending and luxurious lifestyle, marks the latest political upheaval in the Asian nation’s longstanding fight against corruption.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
3 June 2025
-
Anti-immigration politics threw the Dutch and German governments into upheaval amid growing nationalist sentiment in Europe.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
Elsewhere, beware of outbursts and shocking news in the first few days of the week.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
15 June 2025
-
Although aurora can occasionally be seen in deep twilight, the display needs to be strong and the timing of outbursts fortunate.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
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The pair worked in leadership together through the tribulations of the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the resulting unrest.—
Brittany Shepherd,
ABC News,
16 June 2025
-
Trump orders 'largest mass deportation operation' as unrest erupts in major cities.—
,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2025
Noun
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Then, just before the neutron star is consumed by the black hole, these waves turn into a powerful blast, emitting a burst of radio waves known as a fast radio burst (FRB).—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
5 June 2025
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Several videos shared on TikTok by Khalifa show groups of Palestinians lying flat on the ground and taking cover from ongoing bursts of automatic gunfire.—
Jeremy Diamond,
CNN Money,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
The artificial intelligence revolution has reached a critical inflection point.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Each episode explores a pivotal or outrageous moment in marijuana history—from ancient tokes to cultural revolutions—blending humor with surprisingly rich education.—
Matt Rozo,
Mercury News,
6 June 2025
Noun
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During Mount Etna’s recent eruption, however, the flow was contained within the region’s Lion Valley, per the AP.—
Margherita Bassi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
4 June 2025
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More recently, Mount Etna has been active in the past few months, with this eruption being the 14th episode since March 2025 after a 19-day lull.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Listeriosis can result in fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 June 2025
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About 1 in 1,000 also suffers swelling of the brain called encephalitis, which can lead to convulsions, deafness or intellectual disability.—
Alix Martichoux,
The Hill,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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