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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of tempest
Cleanup continued Sunday from a tempest that killed at least 64 people, caused widespread destruction across the southeastern states and knocked out power to several million people.
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David Meyer, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2024
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.
—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
See all Example Sentences for tempest 
David Meyer, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2024
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.
—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
See all Example Sentences for tempest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempest
Noun
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At the eye of the storm was Jessica Gunning, the British actress who put in a flawless performance as Martha, the woman who became unhealthily obsessed with Gadd’s Donnie.Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Dec. 2024
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Winter storm warnings and weather advisories were in place for the northeastern parts of the state.Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Leaders grappling with technological upheaval, political change, economic uncertainty, and shifting societal norms may be tempted to seek novel solutions.Gena Cox, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
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It shouldn't just be reserved for stunts and for emotional upheavals.EW.com, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Expect 35-50 mph gusts of winds during the snow shower and squall.Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 10 Dec. 2024
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By the end of the day Wednesday the weather service had issued 5 squall warning, including one covering Washington and Ozaukee Counties and the northern third of Milwaukee County.Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Make sure your travel insurance covers safety problems Look for comprehensive coverage that includes trip cancellation, medical evacuation and protection against natural disasters and political unrest.Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
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The legislation easily passed by a vote of 281-140. Senate Republican leaders argued that its 1% increase for defense spending was not enough, especially at a time of global unrest and challenges to American dominance.Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Their romance caused something of a revolution in those days, being dubbed Bennifer.Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 26 Dec. 2024
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To be part of that revolution was really fascinating.Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.William B. Davis, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2024
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At least 24 earthquakes of magnitude 7 or larger have occurred within 155 miles of the most recent earthquake in the past century, the largest being a 7.9 magnitude earthquake around 53 miles southwest in December 1950.Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near tempest
Cite this Entry
“Tempest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempest. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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