storm 1 of 2

1
as in thunderstorm
a disturbance of the atmosphere accompanied by wind and often by precipitation (as rain or snow) a winter storm bringing about six inches of snow

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2
as in barrage
a heavy fall of objects police had to endure a storm of rocks and bricks hurled by the rioters

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3
4
5
as in rain
a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity the storm caused major damage to our barn

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling a storm of indignation and demands for his resignation arose when the mayor's dishonesty was exposed

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7

storm

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to rain
to fall as water in a continuous stream of drops from the clouds it storms so frequently up in the mountains that the peaks are rarely visible from the valley below

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
as in to steam
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger by the time we arrived, our hostess was storming because dinner was ruined

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb storm contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of storm are assail, assault, attack, and bombard. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

When might assail be a better fit than storm?

While in some cases nearly identical to storm, assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

Where would assault be a reasonable alternative to storm?

In some situations, the words assault and storm are roughly equivalent. However, assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When would attack be a good substitute for storm?

The words attack and storm can be used in similar contexts, but attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When can bombard be used instead of storm?

The words bombard and storm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

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 storm
Noun
Most of the storm’s rainstorms and strong winds are clustered to the right side. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025 The storms brought by atmospheric rivers are known for their heavy snow, heavy rain and strong winds. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
But as Polarity storms through the door, sending shockwaves through the room, Marie is freed from Godolkin’s grasp. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025 And, at least until recently, the government has proven unwilling or unable to try and storm the castles. NPR, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for storm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for storm
Noun
  • The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • At night, rain and possibly a thunderstorm.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Ukraine needs a constant pipeline of weapons from its allies to defend against Russian barrages of missiles and drones – often several hundred in one night.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The Vikings lost 37-10 and Wentz bore the brunt of the barrage.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That Knicks flurry kicked off a truly dreadful second quarter for the Celtics, who also surrendered runs of 12-0 and 17-0 while being outplayed in nearly every facet.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
  • As rain pattered against windows, and trees lining the streets swayed, flurries of urgent texts began ricocheting from one end of the neighborhood to the other, and panic set in as some residents put on their shoes and hurried out the door.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On the other side, there was just as much commotion, but these conversations were almost hysterical — and far uglier.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The commotion was a touching proposal from a couple in the crowd.
    Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Rockies and Plains could see light snow, while Texas could see fair conditions, followed by rain, according to the forecast.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Haiti’s Office of Civil Protection said flooding of the Saint Martin River caused by heavy rains also destroyed a bridge in Saint Suzanne in the northeast region of Haiti.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For the rest of the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century, magnetic storms, triggered by colossal solar explosions, repeatedly disrupted those networks.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Growing attraction Though specialized e-bike shops have been in operation for more than a decade, their recent explosion in business can be attributed to changes in offerings and price.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sri Lanka’s garment workers have borne the brunt of years of economic and political upheaval, which pushed inflation levels to impossible highs, devalued the national currency and caused the prices of basic commodities to soar beyond reach.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025
  • While those films were burned, what the West never knew was that those were not the only copies of these films as Hesse had stored the vast majority of the originals safely in London, away from the political upheaval.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • My father’s kind voice ruptured the sound of violence raging around us.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Or to be safe and dry as a storm rages outside?
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/storm. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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