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eye-opener

noun

Definition of eye-openernext
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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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 eye-opener Small temperature shifts tied to her hormonal cycle were also a factor, which was an important eye-opener and was the most consequential factor in connecting the dots. — Allison Aubrey, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026 My shore excursion in Cartagena was an eye-opener. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026 Even with this pedigree, the Premier League has been an eye-opener. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2026 And while nobody specifically mentioned parking prices at Clippers home games, that $70 charge for the garage across the street from the Intuit Dome is an eye-opener. — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eye-opener
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eye-opener
  1. shock
  2. surprise
  3. revelation
  4. shocker
  5. jolt
Noun
  • Real inflation — the kind that keeps going and going — does not come from energy, tariff, or other supply shocks.
    — Kelly Evans, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
  • At the rear is a triple-adjustable shock with preload, high- and low-speed compression and rebound damping.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • Laurie Whitwell Move would fit Madrid’s youth investment Madrid’s willingness to invest so heavily in such a young player is no longer a surprise.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The 36-year-old pop star made a surprise appearance alongside longtime friend Mariska Hargitay in a hilarious sketch during the 2026 Emmy Awards.
    — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • But the gathering took on new meaning in the revelation's wake, as much of Washington scrambles to come to terms with a technology that has evolved rapidly and for which little regulation exists.
    — Justin Papp, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
  • But the revelation that the Space Force is operating those kinds of assets is by itself a pretty hefty admission.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of revelation
Noun
  • Rather, the noise and astronomical expectations for the Rams made this Week 1 performance a shocker to say the least.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • On the 584th Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including an MLB shocker.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of shocker
Noun
  • The dwelling has evolved over the years as Jenner has matured and trends have shifted, now imbued with warm neutrals and an air of serenity rather than bold jolts of energy.
    — Architectural Digest, Architectural Digest, 15 Sep. 2026
  • While that may not make sense right away, considering the Flyers plan to keep Trevor Zegras at center for now, perhaps that’s something Tocchet turns to at some point to try to give the team a jolt or if another center is struggling.
    — Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of jolt

Browse Nearby Words

eyeless
eye-opener
eye-openers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eye-opener.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eye-opener. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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