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

3
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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
Verb
Yet amidst these setbacks, his mother was his constant rock, who managed the company’s books for 20 years. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 30 June 2025 Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams, who played with Mabrey on the Chicago Sky in 2023, tried to show the Sun star how to execute a proper milly rock, and Phantom BC teammate Natasha Cloud gave Mabrey lessons on finding her rhythm in between sessions in the weight room. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
Adjective
For many, rocking garments and accessories that reflect the richness of Black history while moving in rhythm to the soundtracks of the holiday’s celebration was not just a necessary reprieve, but a spiritual embrace. Essence, 24 June 2025 Pitt wore a green suit to the movie premiere, while Cruise rocked a charcoal gray suit. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rock
Noun
  • Meanwhile, local favorite Pho Momma joined the notable Bib Gourmand list, cementing its status as one of Sacramento’s best under-the-radar dining gems.
    Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • However, the journalist revealed in an interview with Vogue that the center stone is actually a rare pink diamond with a slight rose tone to the gem.
    Vogue, Vogue, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The White House’s fiscal policies will sway earnings too, as tax cuts, the end of certain tax credits, more spending on defense, and less spending on the social safety net ripple through corporate America and consumers.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 June 2025
  • The whipsaw of global trade negotiations can quickly sway market sentiment and pose an ongoing threat to the strength of this rally.
    Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • But the humble protein powerhouse has never seemed to be able to shake the bad reputation.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • The earth begins to shake as the animals, each one a small tank of muscle, thunder along the route at speeds of up to 20 miles an hour, scattering runners.
    Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Unlike games like Super Mario Galaxy, which allow P2 to sort of play along by shooting little stars to stun enemies, Bananza’s version of coop feels extremely robust and changes the entire game.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
  • The rescue pup stunned judges with her brown and blue eyes, speckled fur, and inviting smile.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • In the past, she has been surprised by the condition of upholstered pieces at estate sales upon taking them outside.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • House Democrats picked 47-year old California Rep. Robert Garcia to lead them on the Oversight Committee, surprising the many internal critics who’d assumed the party was married to seniority.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The wigs depicted by Yang in her paintings are mounted on Chinese opera mask stands and they are decorated with flowers, jewels, wheat, grasses and fruit.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The annual event, which kicked off Wednesday with a 250,000-plus-person attendance, is the crowning jewel of music festivals.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • On June 18th, the Karen Read saga finally lurched to its inevitable end, when a Norfolk County jury, assigned the unenviable task of spending spring and early summer watching corruption theater in Dedham court, acquitted Ms. Read of all the serious charges against her.
    Tom Blakely, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025
  • More to come on this one as the American media M&A space makes another lurch forwards.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Here are a few more takeaways from Monday’s game: Michael Wacha falters late Wacha had trouble navigating the Mariners’ lineup.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
  • When corporate processes eclipse the culture, ventures almost inevitably falter.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rock. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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