squall 1 of 2

noun

Definition of squallnext
1
as in storm
a disturbance of the atmosphere accompanied by wind and often by precipitation (as rain or snow) a snow squall is expected tonight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity the annual squall created when the store holds its biggest sale of the year

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

squall

2 of 2

verb

ˈskwȯl How to pronounce squall (audio)
as in to shriek
to cry out loudly and emotionally the baby squalled in pain

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 squall
Noun
Both schooners sank around the time of strong squalls, though the exact cause of the sinkings has not been fully determined. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 But in the squall of war, Etna’s talents also beget inexorable demands. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Verb
The workweek is followed by an Arctic cold front with snow showers and squalls likely late Friday before the bottom falls out once again, which brings us to the weekend. — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 Unlike longer-lasting snowstorms, squalls move fast and can catch drivers off guard, especially when roads appear mostly clear just moments before conditions deteriorate. — Brandi D. Addison, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for squall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squall
  1. storm
  2. commotion
  3. shriek
  4. tempest
  5. disturbance
  6. scream
  7. thunderstorm
  8. hurry
Noun
  • Whether windows have been damaged by a recent storm or have simply reached the end of their useful life, a coordinated replacement project can improve comfort, energy efficiency and curb appeal while helping homeowners prepare for future weather.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond the microbes, mudflats, mangrove forests, and salt marshes help protect shorelines from erosion and storm surges.
    — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of storm
Noun
  • There’s a lot of commotion swirling around you, and much of the drama may not even involve you directly.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Robin’s younger sister Riverley heard the commotion and ran for help.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of commotion
Verb
  • The addition of the electric guitar, drums and Jack White’s shrieking vocals transformed it into a rock song, while also keeping its signature folksiness.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The other customers cowered in the corners, while crowds formed at the windows outside, shrieking and recording the scene on their phones.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Definition of shriek
Noun
  • We’re told that Robert tried to swim after his parents in the middle of a tempest while holding his war hammer.
    — Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Although Congress doesn’t pass many laws these days, the White House has been a furious tempest of executive orders.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of tempest
Noun
  • Larger deployments would introduce greater distances, stronger environmental disturbances, and more difficult communication conditions.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Airman Roger Fortson was in his home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on May 3, 2024, when Eddie Duran responded to the apartment for a call reporting a domestic disturbance, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.
    — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of disturbance
Verb
  • Set the scene The Homestead screams quirky, artful, and vintage yet restored—capturing a whimsical, fairytale ambiance embellished with hints of Southern charm.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In reviewing the body camera footage, police found that the child was standing on the stairwell at one point and was screaming while holding her left arm up in the air, according to the warrant affidavit.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of scream
Noun
  • Delays are frustrating but necessary Because lightning can happen before or after a thunderstorm is overhead, rain is a poor indicator of lightning danger.
    — Chris Vagasky, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • However, by Thursday night, any isolated afternoon thunderstorm east of DFW will quickly fade with the loss of daytime heating.
    — Nelly Carreño, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of thunderstorm
Noun
  • If your relief pitcher throws a wild pitch after your defense allowed a gift triple, your season can end in a hurry.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But Chicago can put up runs in a hurry, as Houston found out.
    — The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurry

Browse Nearby Words

squalidness
squall
squalled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squall. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on squall

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about squall

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