as in shock
informal
something that shows or teaches you something in a surprising way
Traveling abroad can be a real eye-opener to many people. They say her biography is quite an eye-opener.
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Recent Examples of eye-opener
Going to Sheffield United was a bit of an eye-opener anyway, because their facilities were nowhere near the facilities of Manchester City.
—
Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
But under the hood, there are some other eye-openers.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
The 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne would be an eye-opener for Dellinger and Bowerman.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 29 July 2025
The Trump administration’s fights with Harvard and Columbia are eye-openers for other universities that are trying to decipher how to handle the president and his desire to exert control over their policies.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for eye-opener
Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
But under the hood, there are some other eye-openers.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
The 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne would be an eye-opener for Dellinger and Bowerman.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 29 July 2025
The Trump administration’s fights with Harvard and Columbia are eye-openers for other universities that are trying to decipher how to handle the president and his desire to exert control over their policies.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for eye-opener
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eye-opener
Noun
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Sticker shock, though, is expected to hit when consumers shop for 2026 model year cars and trucks as more of those vehicles arrive at dealer lots, according to Cox Automotive.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
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Despite the shock loss, Milei has vowed no changes to his divisive agenda, which has reshaped Argentina’s economy, slashing inflation while boosting growth.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The 2025 Country Music Association Awards nominations have been revealed, and there are, of course, some snubs and surprises.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Paramount’s apparent interest is no surprise since the company’s ambitious new CEO, David Ellison, has talked about a desire to strike further deals.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But the news cycle just keeps churning with new revelations about how tight Trump and Epstein were.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Peter Mandelson has been withdrawn as Britain's ambassador to the United States with immediate effect following revelations about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.—
Barney Henderson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The tally for August followed a shocker for July, and the latest report showed payroll growth stalling, unemployment climbing to its highest level in nearly four years, and months of more downward revisions.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
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Would a 9-8 finish be a massive shocker?—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Ainscough, a Studio Ashby alum who launched her solo design practice in 2020, took those distinctive doors as a starting point for the scheme of gentle greens, blues, and golden yellows—interjected with bold jolts of cherry and crimson.—
Fiona McCarthy,
Architectural Digest,
9 Sep. 2025
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Even with the team’s need for a jolt of offense, Muncy insists there is no undue pressure associated with his return.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Eye-opener.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eye-opener. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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