1
as in storm
a disturbance of the atmosphere accompanied by wind and often by precipitation (as rain or snow)
a snow squall is expected tonight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the annual squall created when the store holds its biggest sale of the year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of squall
Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
The main concern for this week is the possibility of snow showers and squalls coming in Wednesday, which could affect travel.
—Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 10 Dec. 2024
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
His strangled, squalling voice can make a rant about toasters sound like a cry for help.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for squall
Noun
Significant accumulation from the squall is not expected because temperatures will be well above freezing and rain will have fallen throughout much of the event in the city, NBC Boston reports.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
The main concern for this week is the possibility of snow showers and squalls coming in Wednesday, which could affect travel.
—Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
Not because that is anybody’s intention but because our little, squalling selves are born to messy people.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
His strangled, squalling voice can make a rant about toasters sound like a cry for help.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for squall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squall
Noun
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Shower and storm chances return as well -- stay tuned, and do your best to stay cool.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
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The outages came after monsoon storms moved across the state, bringing heavy rain, wind and flash flooding risk.—
Sasha Hupka,
AZCentral.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
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As the gathering went on, González Gutiérrez heard, on top of the helicopter, loud voices and a general commotion outside.—
Geraldo Cadava,
New Yorker,
23 July 2025
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All the commotion and brutality complicate an otherwise mundane task: visiting Mom for the weekend.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
17 July 2025
Verb
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In another series of videos posted between March and May, Cobb can be seen shrieking in various stores but pretending not to know the origins of the screams when approached by employees, garnering millions of views.—
Luke Chinman,
People.com,
25 July 2025
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Three days before the biggest fireworks holiday of the year, the building exploded, sparking a fire that raged across the flat valley floor amid the sounds of fireworks popping and shrieking.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 July 2025
Noun
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These accoutrements saved our weekend when a late-May tempest blew across Colorado’s San Luis Valley one night.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside Online,
26 June 2025
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People caught in the tempest discovered the limits of human control.—
Ethan Wolin
Updated July 4,
Sacbee.com,
4 July 2025
Noun
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Police standoff after murders Lenexa police responded around 8:30 p.m. to the Donovan family home in the 7900 block of Hallet Street for a reported armed disturbance.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
23 July 2025
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The tropical disturbance the National Hurricane Center is currently eyeing is hundreds of miles away from the Caribbean, in a stretch of ocean hurricane scientists call the main development region.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
21 July 2025
Verb
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After continuing to chase the cat, Ozzy delivers his most iconic line from the show: simply screaming Sharon's name.—
Carson Blackwelder,
People.com,
28 July 2025
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Julia Tate was headed to bed a few weeks ago when her daughter burst into their rowhouse screaming.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm: To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 July 2025
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Extreme heat and thunderstorms producing locally heavy rain are forecast to continue in Greater Cincinnati.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Chicken in a hurry is a quick and easy chicken dinner recipe that requires very little prep work and calls for only pantry staple ingredients, including peanut butter, hot pepper jelly, and soy sauce.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
26 July 2025
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After being charted by Pro Football Focus for three tackles and two quarterback hurries during his initial preseason, Olajiga was waived by the Rams at the league’s cutdown to 53 players last August.—
Oliver Thomas,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squall. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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