1
as in lurched
to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions
the boat was rocking so much that several passengers felt seasick
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in faltered
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
as in stunned
to make senseless or dizzy by a blow
she rocked the mugger with a single punch and then ran
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in surprised
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the news of the mayor's sudden death rocked the city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rocked
But the war with Iran has rocked markets, sending the Dow and Nasdaq into correction territory.
—
John Towfighi, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
The horrific shooting has rocked the Plainville community, with its reverberations being felt throughout the state.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Saves, steals and other delights Carlos Estevez was rocked in his season debut for the Royals, retiring just one batter and allowing four hits, two free passes and a no-doubt walk-off grand slam to Dom Smith.
—Andy Behrens, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
In addition to being recently rocked by a $12 million ticket fraud scheme, the Louvre, of course, was scandalously robbed last October; the museum lost $102 million in jewels.
—News Desk, Artforum, 30 Mar. 2026
Massive floods rocked the county in 2011 and 2014.
—Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
The allegations against Chavez rocked Southern California, where his legacy has been extensively memorialized with murals and statues, on government buildings and in the names of parks and schools.
—Kristy Hutchings, Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
Large earthquakes rocked Santorini, and many of its residents fled, fearing an eruption.
—Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Still, though, the subs’ desk rocked with laughter.
—Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
John Towfighi, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
The horrific shooting has rocked the Plainville community, with its reverberations being felt throughout the state.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Saves, steals and other delights Carlos Estevez was rocked in his season debut for the Royals, retiring just one batter and allowing four hits, two free passes and a no-doubt walk-off grand slam to Dom Smith.
—Andy Behrens, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
In addition to being recently rocked by a $12 million ticket fraud scheme, the Louvre, of course, was scandalously robbed last October; the museum lost $102 million in jewels.
—News Desk, Artforum, 30 Mar. 2026
Massive floods rocked the county in 2011 and 2014.
—Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
The allegations against Chavez rocked Southern California, where his legacy has been extensively memorialized with murals and statues, on government buildings and in the names of parks and schools.
—Kristy Hutchings, Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
Large earthquakes rocked Santorini, and many of its residents fled, fearing an eruption.
—Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Still, though, the subs’ desk rocked with laughter.
—Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rocked
Verb
-
Since then, the larger culture has lurched rightward, with big corporations abandoning progressive signaling in favor of…other priorities.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Over the course of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s term, CPS has lurched from budget crisis to budget crisis, able only to muddle through due to record-breaking mayoral declarations of tax-increment-financing surpluses.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Washington led 111-106 with 6 1/2 minutes remaining, but the Wizards defense faltered after that.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Fland’s defense — his calling card — faltered on the decisive play.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The teen was stunned that the brazen daylight shooting occurred near families.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The Chaparrals regional final followed along those lines, but a goal by Christian Quintana of El Paso Burges with just 14 seconds left in the second overtime period stunned Wyatt in a 1-0 loss in the Class 5A Division 2 Region 1 Final on Tuesday at Astound Stadium in Midland.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Its most iconic product surprised even the engineers who built it.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The battle even surprised Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
People swayed to Cléopâtre's music on Sunday, with some singing along and blowing her kisses, while performers in colorful clothes danced on stage.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Big Wild was up next on the Be stage, bringing melodic dance and peaceful vibes to the crowd gathered, who swayed to the music or lay out on the grass.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
When Bradford delivered the detail about the sandwich, the board and attendees laughed and shook their heads.—
Chevall Pryce,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Stocks shook off an early stumble to finish with slim gains on Wall Street Thursday and close out their first winning week since the start of the Iran war.—
Damian J. Troise,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Eleven, the show’s telekinetic heroine, who grew up in a lab, became dazed by the number of clothing options at the Gap.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
26 Dec. 2025
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Firefighters were trying to put out flames, others were trying to find victims inside, Sanford's truck was still there and church members who'd just survived the horror were on the lawn, dazed.—
Georgea Kovanis,
Freep.com,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
For twelve seasons, Kim has amazed us with her fierce and raw portrayal of Teddy Altman.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
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Melissa's rapid intensification and high winds and atypical hurricane behavior amazed even some of the more experienced scientists who study tropical cyclones, thanks in part to its journey over some exceptionally warm waters in the Caribbean.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rocked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rocked. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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