convulsive
adjective
con·vul·sive kən-ˈvəl-siv 
1
a
: constituting or producing a convulsion
b
: caused by or affected with convulsions
2
: resembling a convulsion in being violent, sudden, frantic, or spasmodic
convulsive laughter
convulsively adverb
convulsiveness noun
Synonyms
- cataclysmal
- cataclysmic
- stormy
- tempestuous
- tumultuous
- turbulent
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
the assassination of Martin Luther King was one of the most convulsive events of the 1960s after a day of convulsive trading, the stock market was down 300 points
Recent Examples on the Web The convulsive and taboo-busting comic has transformed over time into a still bitingly funny and progressive feminist voice. 
New York Times, 27 Apr. 2022 McCartney has performed here before, of course, with the Beatles before a convulsive crowd at what was then called the Civic Center in 1964. Mike Klingaman, baltimoresun.com, 3 Mar. 2022 In truth, a fractious, convulsive Ethiopia would have a massive impact on the entire continent, and the accompanying reverberations have the potential to set off a chain reaction that could impact us all. Isha Sesay, Masai Ujiri, CNN, 29 Sep. 2021 On the heels of a humbling year, the Oscars — usually a frothy night of self-congratulation — this year may feel more like a therapeutic rally for an industry in the midst of convulsive change. Jake Coyle, Anchorage Daily News, 25 Apr. 2021 There are multiple period thrillers, as projects wrestle with key issues – identity, peace, high-tech, big business, sacrifice, survival – crucial to these convulsive times. John Hopewell, Variety, 29 Aug. 2021 This has been true since last March, and the convulsive spread of the delta variant shows that deciding how to navigate the social landscape is as volatile as ever. San Francisco Chronicle, 6 Aug. 2021 On the heels of a humbling year, the Oscars — usually a frothy night of self-congratulation — this year may feel more like a therapeutic rally for an industry in the midst of convulsive change. Jake Coyle, Anchorage Daily News, 25 Apr. 2021 Nonetheless, the transition between the electric motor and gas engine is convulsive, and there's occasional lag when shifting. Connor Hoffman, Car and Driver, 24 June 2021 See More
New York Times, 27 Apr. 2022 McCartney has performed here before, of course, with the Beatles before a convulsive crowd at what was then called the Civic Center in 1964. Mike Klingaman, baltimoresun.com, 3 Mar. 2022 In truth, a fractious, convulsive Ethiopia would have a massive impact on the entire continent, and the accompanying reverberations have the potential to set off a chain reaction that could impact us all. Isha Sesay, Masai Ujiri, CNN, 29 Sep. 2021 On the heels of a humbling year, the Oscars — usually a frothy night of self-congratulation — this year may feel more like a therapeutic rally for an industry in the midst of convulsive change. Jake Coyle, Anchorage Daily News, 25 Apr. 2021 There are multiple period thrillers, as projects wrestle with key issues – identity, peace, high-tech, big business, sacrifice, survival – crucial to these convulsive times. John Hopewell, Variety, 29 Aug. 2021 This has been true since last March, and the convulsive spread of the delta variant shows that deciding how to navigate the social landscape is as volatile as ever. San Francisco Chronicle, 6 Aug. 2021 On the heels of a humbling year, the Oscars — usually a frothy night of self-congratulation — this year may feel more like a therapeutic rally for an industry in the midst of convulsive change. Jake Coyle, Anchorage Daily News, 25 Apr. 2021 Nonetheless, the transition between the electric motor and gas engine is convulsive, and there's occasional lag when shifting. Connor Hoffman, Car and Driver, 24 June 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Kids Definition
convulsive
adjective
con·vul·sive kən-ˈvəl-siv
: causing or marked by violent, frantic, or jerky movement
By convulsive efforts he got on his feet, staggered, and fell. Jack London, The Call of the Wild
Jack London, The Call of the Wild Medical Definition
convulsive
adjective
con·vul·sive kən-ˈvəl-siv
1
: constituting or producing a convulsion
convulsive disorders
2
: caused by or affected with convulsions
convulsive motions
a convulsive patient
convulsive
adjective
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- turbulent
- tumultuous
- cataclysmic
- spasmodic
- tempestuous
- fitful
- stormy
- sporadic
- boisterous
- riotous
- cataclysmal
- noisy
- clamorous
- furious
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- calm
- placid
- peaceful
- tranquil
- unperturbed
- serene
- undisturbed
- untroubled
- unshaken
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- violent
- ferocious
- turbulent
- fierce
- furious
- paroxysmal
- volcanic
- rabid
- explosive
- vicious
- rough
- tumultuous
- brutal
- cyclonic
- tempestuous
- savage
- stormy
- hot
- aggressive
- volatile
- barbarous
- frantic
- blood-and-guts
- knock-down-and-drag-out
- knock-down, drag-out
- destructive
- frenzied
- bang-bang
- hostile
- contentious
- mad
- agitated
- bellicose
- hammer-and-tongs
- antagonistic
- belligerent
- pugnacious
- combative
- combustible
- truculent
- ruinous
- gladiatorial
- quarrelsome
- cataclysmic
- assertive
- cataclysmal
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- peaceable
- peaceful
- calm
- nonviolent
- tranquil
- serene
- pacific
- halcyon
- nonbelligerent
- unaggressive
Synonym Chooser
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
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
Spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.
spasmodic growth