shock 1 of 2

Definition of shocknext

shock

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word shock different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of shock are collision, concussion, and impact. While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force.

the shock of falling rocks

When can collision be used instead of shock?

In some situations, the words collision and shock are roughly equivalent. However, collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded.

the collision damaged the vehicle

Where would concussion be a reasonable alternative to shock?

The synonyms concussion and shock are sometimes interchangeable, but concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

When is impact a more appropriate choice than shock?

The words impact and shock can be used in similar contexts, but impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.

the glass shattered on impact with the floor

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 shock
Noun
Underpinning oil’s decline was the historic oversaturation of crude going into the war that effectively cushioned the world from its biggest-ever supply shock. David Goldman, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 The 1973 oil shock forced Japan, then almost entirely dependent on cheap Middle Eastern oil, to reinvent its industrial model, Tanaka argues. Clay Chandler, semafor.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
Gabriel said she was shocked by the allegations against Tyson. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 But that’s likely little comfort to American families shocked at the sticker price of college costs. Thomas Adam, The Conversation, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
  • The collision sent Bowie careening into a minivan parked nearby.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • Now, a team of researchers assessed this signal and found a feature in the gravitational waves represents the collective event horizon of the involved black holes at the very moment of that collision.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Much to Bear’s astonishment, the wish comes true, but with unintended consequences as Nikki dangerously obsesses over him and resorts to deadly measures to prove her love for him.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Seated beside Rosado on Wednesday, Lopez appeared appalled at what had transpired in recent weeks.
    Tess Riski June 18, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
  • Democratic lawmakers were predictably appalled by Pulte’s selection.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Through the fantastical nature of this story and the original nature of the omniscient narrator Ahmad is able to continually surprise.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
  • There was also a nice moment with his dad, who surprised him after flying to New York on a red-eye Sunday morning.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Don’t be scared by his blue eyes.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • The intent of the letters isn’t to scare people, but to educate them about water stewardship, Talbott said.
    Emily Cureton Cook, ProPublica, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Their standoff energizes the play, but this jolt of momentum comes a little too late.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Because her shows have been broadcast in endless rotation, our first image of Robin Byrd today is a jolt.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • The two, alongside friend Cameron Munro, were among the thousands of Scottish supporters who descended on Fenway Park earlier this week, to the amazement and delight of many Red Sox fans.
    Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026
  • Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Or, nearly 40 years after his death in 1987, would he be horrified by just how relevant its themes still feel?
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 June 2026
  • Or perhaps he’d be horrified by the idea of people getting to witness, over and over again, what were presumably the worst moments of his life.
    Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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