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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of squall
Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2025
Forecasters for the National Weather Service say squalls on Friday and Saturday could drop 3 to 5 inches of rain across Northern California, Oregon and Washington, and the highest points of elevation could see up to 3 feet of snow.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
Black Francis still shrieked, Joey Santiago’s guitar still squalled, Lenchantin’s bass still offered a choppy plunk, and the bam-thwok of David Lovering’s drums still kept the chaos anchored.
—Marc Hirsh, BostonGlobe.com, 9 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for squall
Noun
The Cape and Rhode Island, however, will still see squalls this hour.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2025
Forecasters for the National Weather Service say squalls on Friday and Saturday could drop 3 to 5 inches of rain across Northern California, Oregon and Washington, and the highest points of elevation could see up to 3 feet of snow.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
Snow squall safety tips NWS offers the following snow squall warning safety tips:
Avoid or delay motor vehicle travel until the snow squall warning passes.
—Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
Black Francis still shrieked, Joey Santiago’s guitar still squalled, Lenchantin’s bass still offered a choppy plunk, and the bam-thwok of David Lovering’s drums still kept the chaos anchored.
—Marc Hirsh, BostonGlobe.com, 9 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for squall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squall
Noun
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The Bay Area is bracing for yet another major storm as an atmospheric river makes its way through California this week.—
Nadia Lopez,
Axios,
12 Mar. 2025
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For entrepreneurs who aren’t prepared or equipped to navigate this storm, staying afloat can feel downright impossible.—
Stephanie Tharpe,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Naturally, this means that even something as small as a new shade of Pocket Blush is bound to cause tons of commotion—and spoiler alert, that’s exactly what happened after Hailey’s recent date night routine.—
Kleigh Balugo,
StyleCaster,
12 Mar. 2025
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Pilots heard the commotion and turned the flight around back to Savannah, police said.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Of course, the idea of hauling your stroller into a cramped cafe or dealing with a shrieking baby at a girls’ lunch can be daunting for new parents.—
Carolyn L. Todd,
SELF,
28 Feb. 2025
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Regardless, prominent Democrats scoffed at the review, shrieked with outrage, and dubiously claimed that taxpayers’ personal information could be compromised in the process.—
James Carter,
National Review,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Cuomo faces a vulnerable incumbent Adams is also seeking reelection but is facing a tempest over the criminal case against him, and the U.S. Justice Department’s extraordinary effort to end the case over the objection of the prosecutors who brought the charges.—
Anthony Izaguirre,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2025
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Hilaria touches on the media tempest surrounding her accent, reiterating that she was raised bilingual.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The source of the disturbance was just over a mile deep, experts say.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Mar. 2025
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According to a spokesman from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which investigated the shooting, Independence police responded to a disturbance around 8 p.m. at a home in the 800 block of E. College Street in Independence.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Every frequent flier has been there: the seat that doesn’t tilt back, the screaming kids, the sprint between terminals for the connecting flight, and relief at baggage claim that your luggage actually made it.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2025
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And of course, 102 acres on the Pacific Ocean just screams location, location, ad infinitum.—
David Weiss,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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How to act during strong winds Take shelter: Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
18 Mar. 2025
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Threat level: Although the Sunday outlook was less dire, more severe thunderstorms with potential tornadoes were expected from Pennsylvania to Florida.—
Andrew Freedman,
Axios,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Without a truly dominant interior presence, this is what can separate the Huskies in a hurry.—
Chantel Jennings,
The Athletic,
17 Mar. 2025
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On the other hand, Walter Clayton Jr. is equally as capable of putting up points in a hurry.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squall. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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