1
as in storm
a disturbance of the atmosphere accompanied by wind and often by precipitation (as rain or snow)
the sudden summertime tempest drove us off the golf course and into the clubhouse
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2
as in upheaval
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
the town council handled the tempest over cuts to the school budget as well as could be expected
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of tempest
Elliott, a University of Alabama scientist who studies ancient hurricanes, came to this lake on the Gulf Coast for sediment that can unlock the secrets of the violent storms of the past — and offer a glimpse of future tempests as Earth’s climate warms.
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Dino Grandoni, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
Being on the wrong side in one of these tempests in a teabag could be fatal.
—Liz Smith, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2024
From Beijing’s perspective, the gathering storm of criticism may look like a tempest in a teacup—easily weathered for long-term gains.
—Nadège Rolland, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2019
But the problems with Houston’s energy system didn’t start with Hurricane Beryl, although the tempest exposed its faults.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for tempest 
Dino Grandoni, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
Being on the wrong side in one of these tempests in a teabag could be fatal.
—Liz Smith, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2024
From Beijing’s perspective, the gathering storm of criticism may look like a tempest in a teacup—easily weathered for long-term gains.
—Nadège Rolland, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2019
But the problems with Houston’s energy system didn’t start with Hurricane Beryl, although the tempest exposed its faults.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for tempest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempest
Noun
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It was being driven by high winds that were sweeping the area as a winter storm arrived.Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
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The storm is now about 195 miles west of Key West, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, moving northwest at 9 mph, the National Hurricane Center said at 7 a.m. ET.Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 7 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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The subgenre originated in the late ’80s as bands such as My Bloody Valentine blanketed concert venues in slow-churning guitar squall while staring down at their effects pedals.Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2024
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To help combat the concurrent squall of lies, FEMA has spent precious resources to combat the untruths by beefing up the Rumor Response page on its website.Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 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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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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Its story examines the frustrated dreams and daily personal revolutions that defy social and economic constraints in Cuba.John Hopewell, Variety, 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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Puerto Rico was then hit by devastating natural disasters, including Hurricane Maria in 2017 and a series of earthquakes in 2020, in addition to the pandemic.Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near tempest
Cite this Entry
“Tempest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempest. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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