convulsion

noun

kən-ˈvəl-shən How to pronounce convulsion (audio)
Definition of convulsionnext
as in upheaval
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order) the Russian Revolution was one of the major convulsions of the 20th century

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of convulsion Cue convulsions and expressions of agony. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026 Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, headaches, confusion and convulsions. — Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 15 June 2026 There is no end to the impotent convulsions of an empire in decline. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 9 June 2026 Other people may experience symptoms, such as headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for convulsion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulsion
  1. upheaval
  2. revolution
  3. unrest
  4. earthquake
Noun
  • To be fair, the upheaval among OpenAI’s exec ranks has extended to men too; COO Brad Lightcap announced his exit last week.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Like many in his generation Zhu’s early career was upended by the political upheavals of the Mao Zedong era.
    — CNN Staff, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of upheaval
Noun
  • But thanks to the streaming revolution, the once-ubiquitous franchise has since shrunk to a single pilgrimage outpost in Bend, Oregon.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Michelin Key retreat named for the patron saint of music simmers with classic ’60s and ’70s energy, exuding the era’s powerful rock revolution with a lending library of vinyls, Rega turntables, and rock biographies.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of revolution
Noun
  • Xenophobic unrest in South Africa, where violent mobs have forced thousands of African foreigners to flee the country, has thrust migration into the spotlight.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This led to civil unrest and paved the way for new leadership.
    — Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of unrest
Noun
  • With Dolphin expected to affect part of Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu, residents whose houses were damaged by last week’s deadly earthquake were placing blue tarps on roofs and walls to prevent water damage.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Washington and Tokyo have coordinated in currency markets more recently, in 2011, but that was to push the yen down after the East Japan earthquake.
    — Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of earthquake

Browse Nearby Words

convulsing
convulsion
convulsions
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Cite this Entry

“Convulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulsion. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on convulsion

Nglish: Translation of convulsion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about convulsion

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