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
Before becoming vice president, Senator JD Vance’s introduction of a bill to raise the tax on large endowments from 1.4% to 35% for universities with endowments larger than $10 billion sent the right-side of social media world into paroxysms of ecstasy.
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Adrian Wooldridge, Twin Cities, 6 May 2025
Henry, afflicted by a psychic link to the monsters behind the veil of the Stranger Things universe, has to go into writhing, spitting paroxysms at least once every 20 minutes or so.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
Wilson’s idealistic vision of a new U.S. role in the world collapsed in a paroxysm of partisanship.
—Charles A. Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021
The 55-year-old electrical engineer at the center of this postal paroxysm was an improbable target.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2014
See All Example Sentences for paroxysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysm
Noun
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My research explores how well-meaning, but draconian, efforts to correct the abusive opioid prescription promotion practices of drug companies were followed by a nationwide explosion of overdoses from illicit opioids, again in the absence of equivalent efforts to make opioid treatment available.—
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The company weathered a near-disastrous explosion at its rocket ranch and continued to expand its ambitions.—
Noun
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These are among the many questions posed by Simon Morrison’s sprawling biography of place, which seeks to understand a nation through the life of its largest city, tracing Moscow’s evolution via dozens of historical upheavals, from war, famine, drought, and much, much more.—
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It’s been a big year of upheaval for Allen, who split from ex David Harbour in February, per People.—
Noun
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As 6-7 went viral, teachers complained that random outbursts by their students were interrupting their lessons.—
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Kerr, who was ejected in the loss to the Clippers, was not worried about how the league or his players would react to his outburst.—
Noun
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Some other reports put the death toll from unrest much higher, with TIME citing a doctor in Tehran as saying at least 217 people had been killed, for instance.—
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In a statement broadcast by state TV, a security force known for quelling unrest accused terrorists of targeting military and law enforcement bases over the past two nights.—
Noun
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The only constant is Mount Etna, looming off to one side, at times sputtering out smoke, ash, and short bursts of lava.—
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And yet, two-thirds into the song’s six-minute lurch, a beaming synth line appears like a biblical burst of light, a plea for sanctuary from perpetual chaos.—
Noun
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The young republic’s survival hinged on distancing itself from a Europe convulsed by revolution and war.—
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One early muse-like figure is Martin Luther, who in 1524 sparked a revolution by challenging the church’s influence on commerce.—
Noun
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Following the dramatic discovery, Walker discovers that the long-ago murder is somehow linked to the conspiracy behind the arms dealer and the mysterious volcanic eruption at Crater Lake.—
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The activity periodically forms a dome over the main vent, which eventually collapses, causing an eruption.—
Noun
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On Tuesday, at a sidewalk light pole near the intersection of Smallman and 11th streets, Mitchell said some type of live electrical current sent Denim into full-body convulsions, acting like he was being tased.—
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So are wild garlic and death camas, a plant that can cause vomiting, convulsions, coma and death.—
Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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