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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paroxysm
These symptoms include: Runny or stuffed up nose Low-grade fever (less than 100.4℉)
Mild, occasional cough
One to two weeks after the first symptoms start, people may develop paroxysms, or coughing fits, that usually last one to six weeks but can last up to 10 weeks.
—
Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 5 June 2024
Many of the young men peeling away from the Democrats came of age during in the social paroxysms of recent years: #MeToo, DEI, online cancellations—cultural changes that some men interpreted as hostile to them.
—Charlotte Alter, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024
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
One to two weeks after the first symptoms start, people may develop paroxysms, or coughing fits, that usually last one to six weeks but can last up to 10 weeks.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 5 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysm
Noun
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Since that offensive explosion, however, the Reds' bats have been dormant.—
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In the latest explosion of violence, at least 31 people were killed and dozens others were injured Thursday after the Israeli military struck the Dar al-Arqam School in the Tuffah neighborhood in eastern Gaza City, according to a statement by the Gaza Civil Defense.—
Noun
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Michael Jordan wears No. 45 in return to the Bulls For LaVine, the last few weeks of upheaval have offered perspective.—
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During his decades-long career in finance, Carney steered governments through major global crises and periods of upheaval.—
Noun
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The formula seeps deep into pores all over your body to wipe out acne-causing bacteria, stopping active outbursts in their tracks, and keeping future ones at bay.—
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Powell hit a home run down the left field line in her first at-bat of the season, capping a three-run first-inning outburst by the Warriors in an eventual 9-6 nonconference victory.—
Noun
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The levels are based off several factors, including crime levels, threats of terrorism, civil unrest, health concerns and the possibility of a natural disaster, according to the State Department.—
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In addition to long-standing restrictions, the State Department issued a travel advisory in August warning citizens not to travel to Iran due to political unrest in the region.—
Noun
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The Gators responded with six consecutive points before Maryland embarked on a 6-2 burst for a 36-35 lead.—
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Wear it all day for bursts of inviting florals, energizing citrus and sultry white musks.—
Noun
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In the picturesque landscape of England's Lake District, a whisky revolution is quietly unfolding.—
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The legacy of Great Aunt Fannie and her 145 fellow victims is that their fiery deaths launched revolutions for American workplace safety, building codes and unions.—
Noun
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The economic loss from a Mount Fuji eruption is estimated to be up to 2.5 trillion yen ($16.6 billion).—
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Since the volcanic eruption, most farmers here are just trying to get back on their feet.—
Noun
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Rare cases also suffer swelling of the brain called encephalitis — which can lead to convulsions, deafness or intellectual disability.—
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In rare cases, children develop brain swelling that can cause convulsions, deafness and intellectual disabilities.—
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
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