1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of convulsive
Americans are sleepwalking toward convulsive pain, a consequence of decades of easy money policies to prevent minor pains.
—
George F. Will, Washington Post, 21 June 2024
In the 1890s, amid the convulsive changes of the industrial era and an upsurge in labor conflict and farmers’ political organizing, nearly four million African Americans were stripped of their voting rights.
—Suzanne Mettler, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2020
That period was a convulsive time in U.S.-Cuba relations marked by the signing of the migration accords after the Balseros crisis, the shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue planes and the passing of the Libertad Act, also known as Helms-Burton.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2024
During the convulsive phase of a seizure, breathing may be intermittent.
—Jacob Pellinen, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for convulsive
George F. Will, Washington Post, 21 June 2024
In the 1890s, amid the convulsive changes of the industrial era and an upsurge in labor conflict and farmers’ political organizing, nearly four million African Americans were stripped of their voting rights.
—Suzanne Mettler, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2020
That period was a convulsive time in U.S.-Cuba relations marked by the signing of the migration accords after the Balseros crisis, the shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue planes and the passing of the Libertad Act, also known as Helms-Burton.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2024
During the convulsive phase of a seizure, breathing may be intermittent.
—Jacob Pellinen, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for convulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulsive
Adjective
-
His childhood was turbulent—his parents' frequent fights sometimes turned physical, with his father directing his frustrations at young Gene.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
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The 1999 killing Syed and Lee both attended Woodlawn High School and had dated, broken up, reunited and broken up again in a relationship an appeals court described as turbulent.—
Chloe Atkins,
NBC News,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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While confronting their violent history, a brutal bar fight and deadly feud reignites between Thomas, Ben, and the notorious Five Points Gang.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
5 Mar. 2025
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That career has been highlighted by some of the most violent fights in MMA history.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Jones, still vigorous at seventy-two, moves through space with ferocious intent while conjuring stories from the past: early dance sensations, tense interactions with the legendary Ailey, and clashes with critics who tried to box him in as a Black artist.—
Shauna Lyon,
The New Yorker,
28 Feb. 2025
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Friction point: Community groups like the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and Franklin Park Defenders have been ferocious in opposing the revamp, questioning the cost, traffic and the loss of a public asset to a private interest.—
Mike Deehan,
Axios,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The bill has been met with both fierce opposition and staunch support from students, professors and community members across the state.—
Amanda McCard,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2025
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With Zverev looking to cement his dominance, Alcaraz aiming for a repeat title, and Fritz eager to defend home soil, the competition will be fierce from day one.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But the impact goes far beyond playful patriotism — Canadians are furious.—
Kaleigh Rogers,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2025
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Mugler was furious, and the two didn’t speak for several years, eventually reconciling in the 1990s.—
Joelle Diderich,
WWD,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Buy Now on Amazon innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask Get ready for a serious detox with this volcanic clay mask straight from Jeju Island.—
Maria Correa,
Miami Herald,
3 Mar. 2025
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Firefly touched down inside its 100-meter (330-foot) target zone in Mare Crisium near a volcanic dome named Mons Latreille, which has sat dormant for billions of years after volcanic activity ceased on the Moon.—
Tim Stevens,
Ars Technica,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But the rabid fans were left disappointed as Lahore’s temperamental weather spoiled the party and ended what had been an engrossing match.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
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West should be ostracized for his rabid antisemitism.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Convulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convulsive. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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