1
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling
a paroxysm of laughter greeted the pratfall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Preparing a tax return can trigger paroxysms of stress at the best of times.
—
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Also, stars in this frenzied state aren’t terribly stable; the fusion rate can be tempestuous, and the star undergoes incredibly violent paroxysms.
—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
20 Mar. 2026
The post is now nearing a hundred million views and inspiring paroxysms of millennial self-reckoning.
—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
13 Aug. 2025
Finally, the paroxysms of violence across the arc of instability from North Africa to South Asia have led some observers to conclude that disorder in the Middle East could threaten the entire global order.
—
Jake Sullivan,
Foreign Affairs,
5 Mar. 2018
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Also, stars in this frenzied state aren’t terribly stable; the fusion rate can be tempestuous, and the star undergoes incredibly violent paroxysms.
—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
20 Mar. 2026
The post is now nearing a hundred million views and inspiring paroxysms of millennial self-reckoning.
—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
13 Aug. 2025
Finally, the paroxysms of violence across the arc of instability from North Africa to South Asia have led some observers to conclude that disorder in the Middle East could threaten the entire global order.
—
Jake Sullivan,
Foreign Affairs,
5 Mar. 2018
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysm
Noun
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Tuesday night's explosion from Contreras had actually been 24 hours in the making.
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Authorities in the wealthy city-state of Monaco have launched a manhunt that’s stretched across the border into France after several people were wounded in an explosion caused by a bomb that was planted in a residential building.
Noun
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Was came from a working-class industrial city, making music reflective of Detroit’s technological upheaval and economic neglect.
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Unlike larger corporate counterparts, SMEs don't always have the financial reserves to comfortably absorb geopolitical upheaval and rapid inflation.
Noun
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The pitcher and batter didn’t acknowledge the outburst, although Wrobleski’s pitch ended up in the dirt for a full count.
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Fresh off a 22-run outburst Friday, the question became what would the Sox do for an encore Saturday.
Noun
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Chevron benefits from unrest in the Middle East and other factors that can elevate energy prices.
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Shows of extravagance like these have not been met with kindness in a world torn by war, inflation, soaring gas prices and political unrest.
Noun
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Jennifer Storms, chief marketing officer for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said her team has carefully planned the timing of the spots to coincide with the burst of patriotism and celebration around America 250 events.
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Used on the plate (rather than during cooking), finishing salt adds crunch, elegance and a burst of salinity.
Noun
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The result, historians say, has become a centralized, more politicized spectacle, marking the national milestone as a celebration of an imperial presidency rather than a revolution from kingly rule.
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The company that manufactures the hardware powering the AI revolution acknowledges that the technology is more expensive than the people it was supposed to augment.
Noun
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The intense burst of X-rays released during the eruption reached Earth in just over 8 minutes, triggering strong (R3) radio blackouts across the daylight side of Earth.
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Emissions from volcanic eruptions can also cause some chemical chaos in this system.
Noun
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It is known to cause neurological problems, convulsions and comas, with children particularly at risk.
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The Gentlemen’s Club, for all its odd and difficult convulsions, is a heartening step in a positive direction.
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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