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

Relevance

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 The question of Armenian identity and the very fate of the Armenian people seem to be at stake in this kinetic, formally convulsive work. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for convulsive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for convulsive

Adjective

Still, Saudi Arabia has viewed attendance at the event, and general support for the Gulf during turbulent times, as a loyalty test for global business leaders.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Zacharia’s time in China was just one of her career highlights that triggered intense media scrutiny following her brief and turbulent appointment as White House press secretary.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of turbulent

Adjective

Government critics and human rights campaigners have alleged that police tactics in the last month have been unnecessarily violent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
But complicating the government's efforts to bring the French deficit under control are widespread protests that have turned increasingly violent since starting as a Parisian student movement last month.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of violent

Adjective

One of the most celebrated objects from the India Museum is a mechanical wooden sculpture of a ferocious tiger gnawing at a British soldier’s throat.

— Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Wilson rocked the stanchion with a ferocious dunk in transition in the fourth quarter, only to have his next attempt at a full-court sprint smacked away by Jamal Shead, leading to a Leonard 3-pointer on the other end.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Adjective

Projects that communities had originally welcomed were suddenly met with fierce opposition, and companies had to improve.

— Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
What is to come afterwards is when their world is on fire as the fierce Battle Of Okinawa Island takes them , and us, back to sad reality.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fierce

Adjective

Then, during our planet’s infancy, volcanic upheaval and deep-earth alchemy created more than a thousand new minerals.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Highlights include the verdant jungle at Cap Cana, the lush volcanic slopes above Saint-Pierre in Martinique, and the coral gardens off Kralendijk in Bonaire.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of volcanic

Adjective

Instead, Cartwright returns to his deceased grandfather’s home thrilled to see that Baker has successfully evaded both the Russian assassins and MI5’s own rabid dogs.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Many rabid fans from other cities would be glad to trade places with them anytime.

— Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of convulsive

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