1
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling
a paroxysm of laughter greeted the pratfall
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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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Recent Examples of paroxysm
This confession sends O’Brien into paroxysms of rage, and ends with a surreal conclusion that is pretty, pretty good.
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Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
In interviews with a dozen survivors across Rwanda in the two days preceding the commemoration on Sunday, many spoke about the paroxysm of violence that gripped this lush, landlocked nation.
—Abdi Latif Dahir, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2024
In the end, the edifice of peace that so many had labored so hard to construct was consumed in a paroxysm of violence as the Palestinians launched another, more intense uprising and the Israelis expanded their occupation of the West Bank.
—Martin Indyk, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
Thinking about my mother, at home without me, sent me into paroxysms of tears – big, rolling sobs that welled up from someplace deep and uncharted.
—Various Staff Writers, Special Correspondents, and Special Contributors, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Dec. 2023
See all Example Sentences for paroxysm 
Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
In interviews with a dozen survivors across Rwanda in the two days preceding the commemoration on Sunday, many spoke about the paroxysm of violence that gripped this lush, landlocked nation.
—Abdi Latif Dahir, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2024
In the end, the edifice of peace that so many had labored so hard to construct was consumed in a paroxysm of violence as the Palestinians launched another, more intense uprising and the Israelis expanded their occupation of the West Bank.
—Martin Indyk, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
Thinking about my mother, at home without me, sent me into paroxysms of tears – big, rolling sobs that welled up from someplace deep and uncharted.
—Various Staff Writers, Special Correspondents, and Special Contributors, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Dec. 2023
See all Example Sentences for paroxysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paroxysm
Noun
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Brazil’s Supreme Court was evacuated after two nearby explosions, stirring security concerns before the country hosts the G20 summit.Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
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But the new explosion of AI is just the latest development in a long line of technological evolution.Greg Brunk, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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His bitter resentment at this upheaval is startling, even in the annals of Second World War cinema, where fraught farewells in crowded train stations abound.Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024
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Adding to the upheaval is the fact that another researcher recently left the company.Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Loading your audio article FORT COLLINS — After a violent outburst almost cost him everything, Avery Morrow was determined to get his life back on track.Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
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Angry outbursts, a lack of motivation and poor eating habits may be signs of election stress that will put some people at higher risk for cardiovascular problems this week, experts and research suggest.Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Authorities have erected new security fencing around the White House and other buildings in Washington, D.C., on Sunday as the nation's capital braces for possible unrest on and after Election Day.David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
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Obviously, there are myriad reasons for the malaise gripping the town — the lingering aftereffects of the pandemic, the industry-wide economic shrinkage, the labor unrest, the waves and waves of layoffs.Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Interval training is simply alternating between different short bursts of activity.Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
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After an initial burst of excitement, a lot of those new toys aren’t seeing much playtime, experts say.Anna North, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The Kentucky Distillers Association noted its member distilleries are experiencing an investment revolution of more than $5 billion.Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024
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Conversely, for the billions of children excluded from the digital revolution, the emphasis must shift to providing access, creating equitable opportunities, and leveraging low-tech solutions to bridge the gap.Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
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May’s eruption persisted through late June, and December’s eruption began on the Reykjanes Peninsula after weeks of thousands of earthquakes.Ty Roush, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
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The eruption began at 11:14 p.m. with little prior warning.Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024
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Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues.Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Paroxysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paroxysm. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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