CONVULSIVE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'convulsive' contrast with its synonyms?

The words fitful and spasmodic are common synonyms of convulsive . While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement. // convulsive shocks

Q: Where would 'fitful' be a reasonable alternative to 'convulsive'?

Although the words fitful and convulsive have much in common, fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings. // fitful sleep

Q: How do 'spasmodic' and 'fitful' relate to one another, in the sense of 'convulsive'?

Spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity. // spasmodic growth

convulsive

adjective

kən-ˈvəl-siv

Definition of convulsive

as in turbulent

marked by sudden or violent disturbance the assassination of Martin Luther King was one of the most convulsive events of the 1960s

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in violent

marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity after a day of convulsive trading, the stock market was down 300 points

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective convulsive contrast with its synonyms?

The words fitful and spasmodic are common synonyms of convulsive. While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

Where would fitful be a reasonable alternative to convulsive?

Although the words fitful and convulsive have much in common, fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

How do spasmodic and fitful relate to one another, in the sense of convulsive?

Spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.

spasmodic growth

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 convulsive There’s a physically primal element that feels new to Hathaway here, and not just in the film’s early convulsive silent dance sequence. — Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026 At a meeting there believers are purged of their sins after confessing and then shouting, howling, stomping, dancing, in a convulsive shedding of guilt. — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 21 Jan. 2026 During the past six months, Bondi has presided over the most convulsive transition of power in the Justice Department since the Watergate era, and perhaps in the hundred-and-fifty-five-year history of the department. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025 But for anyone with a taste for operatic violence and fountains of blood as shotgun and assault rifle blasts send bodies flying in slo-mo or dancing like convulsive marionettes, Gareth Evans’ gritty neo-noir will be just the ticket. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for convulsive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulsive

Adjective

Investment firms of ultrawealthy families showed no signs of slowing down in July despite a turbulent month for markets between a sharp correction and soaring energy prices.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
Images of the sun’s surface that were published in a new study show turbulent, vortex-like structures in unprecedented detail.

— Miriam Waldvogel, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of turbulent

Adjective

The stunts included burnouts in the middle of the intersection, which resulted in a violent collision with two of the bystanders.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Since October 2023, the number and severity of settler attacks have skyrocketed, including arson and other destruction of property, the killing of livestock, violent assaults and murder, taking place almost every day.

— Kamel Musallet, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of violent

Adjective

Many EVs can deliver incredible stats—ferocious acceleration is their calling card—but not all deliver a holistic driving experience like the best German sedans of the past 40 or 50 years.

— Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
To the world, McRae is a strong, fearless entertainer, a triple threat who can pen songs that recall the fizzy pop of the early aughts and bring them to life as a ferocious singer and dancer.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Adjective

Above a certain temperature, the system starts to work against itself; the furious beating of cilia uses up any oxygen the coral’s tissues can absorb, and then the polyps can suffocate in the less oxygenated water.

— Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
This Lusitania didn’t sink as a formal band played, but the ticking of each man’s pocket watch synchronized to form a furious percussion section, and all those wailing women’s voices layered into girl-group harmonies.

— Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of furious

Adjective

Totality will cross eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain, offering dramatic low-altitude views of the eclipsed sun above volcanic landscapes, glaciers and medieval cities.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Nugraha said difficult terrain has complicated efforts, with some hotspots located on steep volcanic slopes that are difficult to reach by land.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of volcanic

Adjective

Portions of a Maryland state park remain closed to visitors after two people were attacked by rabid beavers in the past two weeks.

— Maia Nehme, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2026
On July 26, a 13-year-old boy was bitten by a rabid beaver at Cunningham Falls State Park's William Houck area near the North Beach of the lake.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of rabid

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convulsions

convulsive

coo

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

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Synonyms of convulsive

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