rock 1 of 3

slang
as in gem
a usually valuable stone cut and polished for ornament a trophy wife with enough rocks to open her own jewelry store

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rock

2 of 3

verb

1
2
as in to shake
to swing unsteadily back and forth or from side to side the drunk rocked on his heels for a moment and then fell flat on his back

Synonyms & Similar Words

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rock

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rock different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of rock are agitate, convulse, and shake. While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval.

the whole city was rocked by the explosion

When could agitate be used to replace rock?

The synonyms agitate and rock are sometimes interchangeable, but agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring.

an ocean agitated by storms

Where would convulse be a reasonable alternative to rock?

In some situations, the words convulse and rock are roughly equivalent. However, convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm.

spectators were convulsed with laughter

When is it sensible to use shake instead of rock?

The meanings of shake and rock largely overlap; however, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose.

shake well before using

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 rock
Noun
At Cascade in Lakeshore East, residents can spend their time in a conservatory, lush with green plants indoors and a walkway lined with rocks that feels like walking through a park. Caleb McCullough, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 The style incorporates native materials, like rocks and logs, to blend into the landscape. Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Verb
On Thursday, Fanning rocked a white T-shirt bearing the phrase to the Cannes press conference for the film, which earned the longest standing ovation of the competition so far on Wednesday night with a rapturous 15 minutes. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 22 May 2025 The sun is shining, and Kyle Larson is rocking a slick black shirt with logos of his partners, HendrickCars.com, Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports. Joseph Wolkin, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rock
Noun
  • Have a suggestion for a great hidden dining gem in your neighborhood?
    Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
  • One of my four sisters would grab the paper and read these gems out loud, in a proclamation voice with special intonation for any name-drop of an Ivy League or Seven Sisters school.
    Lian Dolan, People.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Though extremely skeptical at first, the author was later swayed by the woman’s proof (photos, cards and bank statements) and behavior.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • During the recent interview, the 47-year-old also reflected on owning a strip club and how that didn’t sway his determination to maintain a loving relationship.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 contestant Phoenix's drama with Ice Spice must've stirred too much after the season 3 queen clapped back against the guest judge's Main Stage critiques about her icon status, but the Drag Race OG hopes the rapper isn't too shaken in the aftermath.
    Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 17 May 2025
  • When Unique told Raq that Kanan came to him asking to team up, that shook her.
    Julia Moore, People.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The Pacers hold a 2-0 series lead after stunning the Knicks at MSG in Games 1 and 2.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
  • Related article Tyrese Haliburton and Indiana Pacers stun New York Knicks in overtime to take Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals Siakam insisted, however, that he and his teammates were not getting distracted by the prospect of writing their names in franchise history.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • After shaking a few hands and taking many a selfies, the pair walked into an awaiting elevator to go surprise more ticket holders.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
  • While watching car auctions together may surprise some, Kidman previously shared that Urban is a car enthusiast with Marie Claire Australia for the magazine's November 2020 issue.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Trainer Todd Pletcher, 0-10 at the Preakness, is looking for his first middle jewel of the Triple Crown. 7.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Of course, Aberg can only know so much about Charlotte’s jewel right now.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Juventus are lurching from one coach to the next with no real vision for the future, while the once-mighty AC Milan will miss out on Europe altogether next season and the likes of Fiorentina, Torino and Parma – all having won major trophies in the past – are shadows of their former selves.
    Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Wednesday’s primetime debate between the leaders of the five main political parties in the Great North has changed its start time to avoid clashing with a hockey game that could lurch the Montreal Canadiens into this year’s NHL playoffs.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With federal support faltering, your role has never been more critical.
    Randy Colman, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025
  • The effort comes as progress on crypto legislation has faltered.
    Julia Shapero, The Hill, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rock. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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