as in startling
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the jolting news about our friend's premature death
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in shaking
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
the roller coaster car jerked and jolted as it coursed along the old wooden tracks
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in yanking
to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion
she jolted the door open with her elbow
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in appalling
to cause an unpleasant surprise for
the sneak terrorist attack jolted the country out of its indolence and indifference
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolting
Adjective
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In that time span, the liberals made a startling 20-plus-point comeback in the polls, overtaking the conservatives as election day neared.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025 -
It’s been a short, hectic campaign season, marked by startling reversals — most notably a massive decline in support for the current opposition Conservative Party — and ignited by the resignation of longtime Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.—
Sean Collins,
Vox,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Symptoms like a fast heart rate, or shortness of breath, shaking and chills, confusion or lethargy.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
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Your ruler Mercury will also station retrograde in Sagittarius—your seventh house of partnerships—on November 9, revealing all the ways your desires for independence may be shaking things up with up your closest allies and enemies.—
Roya Backlund,
StyleCaster,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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This fun take on the trend is ideal for a moody spring mani and gives a surprising dash of color to nails.—
Alejandra Rodríguez,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
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The unusual will intrigue you (which is actually not surprising).—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
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Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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What an amazing display of Mother Nature at her finest.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
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This soulful part of Phuket is dotted with colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, hidden temples, a vibrant art scene, and plenty of amazing restaurants and bars.—
Jenn Rice,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Once she’s done blending, her full glam results are stunning yet intriguing, with a playful feminine hue.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
24 Apr. 2025
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Beautiful and stunning but very subtle at the same time.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Not literal strings, of course—but tiny loops or snippets of vibrating energy.—
Tom Siegfried,
JSTOR Daily,
19 Dec. 2024
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Because everything is moving, everything vibrating in one great dance that is the act of becoming.—
Jennifer Harlan,
New York Times,
13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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An executive order, delivered Friday, cites national security concerns for pulling the deal.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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Advertisement The lawsuit comes as insurers have been pulling back from California’s home insurance market en masse, often citing the risk of catastrophic events brought on by climate change.—
Andrea Chang,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Jolting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolting. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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