as in shocks
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.
Related Words
Relevance
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-openers
The closeness in my race and the closeness in the president's race last year were real eye-openers.
—
ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
Beringer noted the speed and physicality of Minnesota’s preseason games have been eye-openers.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 14 Oct. 2025
But under the hood, there are some other eye-openers.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
Beringer noted the speed and physicality of Minnesota’s preseason games have been eye-openers.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 14 Oct. 2025
But under the hood, there are some other eye-openers.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eye-openers
Noun
-
For someone used to orchestrating cinematic shocks behind the scenes, Moore suddenly found himself on the receiving end of one, and fans were left stunned as the season’s power balance shifted.—
Terry Terrones,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The geological setting means that moderate and strong earthquakes are frequent, and the region is among the world’s most active, as highlighted by decades of seismic history and recent similar shocks in the region.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In an email to staff on Friday (full text below), Deborah Turness provided something of a pep talk for journalists after a string of bruising revelations about BBC News’ output.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
-
There will be a full moon in your sign, bringing personal revelations that could clash with your desire to keep the peace.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Megan Boyle, director of marketing for the Avalanche, also said there will be other surprises in store as well.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
-
As with every year, there are plenty of surprises and just as many snubs among the nominees.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
From fall fragrances like apple cider and more neutral scents like green tea to jolts of refreshing grapefruit, a single scented candle can really set the mood in any space.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The Conjuring 2 is filled with sudden jolts, dog bells signaling danger, self-moving fire engine toys, and the infamous Crooked Man — all shot with cinematic tricks borrowed from '70s-era filmmaking.—
Michael Lee Simpson,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Eye-openers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eye-openers. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share