Thesaurus results for CONVULSE

Q: How is the word 'convulse' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of convulse are agitate , rock , and shake . While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm. // spectators were convulsed with laughter

Q: In what contexts can 'agitate' take the place of 'convulse'?

The synonyms agitate and convulse are sometimes interchangeable, but agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring. // an ocean agitated by storms

Q: When could 'rock' be used to replace 'convulse'?

In some situations, the words rock and convulse are roughly equivalent. However, rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval. // the whole city was rocked by the explosion

Q: Where would 'shake' be a reasonable alternative to 'convulse'?

While the synonyms shake and convulse are close in meaning, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose. // shake well before using

convulse

verb

kən-ˈvəls

Definition of convulse next

as in to shake

to make a series of small irregular or violent movements convulsing with silent laughter as the inept pianist blithely played on

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word convulse different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of convulse are agitate, rock, and shake. While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm.

spectators were convulsed with laughter

In what contexts can agitate take the place of convulse?

The synonyms agitate and convulse are sometimes interchangeable, but agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring.

an ocean agitated by storms

When could rock be used to replace convulse?

In some situations, the words rock and convulse are roughly equivalent. However, rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval.

the whole city was rocked by the explosion

Where would shake be a reasonable alternative to convulse?

While the synonyms shake and convulse are close in meaning, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose.

shake well before using

Examples 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 convulse By now the firing was continuous, the Curtiss convulsing with each blast. —

Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024 Some twitched and convulsed like spiders who’d cruelly had several legs removed by wayward children. —

Lizz Schumer, People.com, 24 Nov. 2024 The cat was foaming at the mouth and convulsing as if it had been poisoned, according to a statement of factual basis of the crime filed in court following a plea deal. —

Phil Helsel, NBC News, 10 Sep. 2024 While speaking onstage at his church The Potter's House of Dallas on Nov. 24, Jakes, 67, was seen lowering his microphone and looking downward before seemingly convulsing. —

Raven Brunner, People.com, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convulse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulse

Verb

So what is the Warriors' appetite to shake things up this season?

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Venus will conjunct Saturn in Pisces — shaking your expansive ninth house of adventure, wisdom and belief systems — presenting you with a chance to harness your intuition and emotional intelligence to create a practical plan.

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025