1
as in swaying
to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions
the boat was rocking so much that several passengers felt seasick
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in faltering
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 stunning
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 amazing
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 rocking
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2025
The rest of the quintet — vocalist Dexter Holland, bassist Todd Morse, multi-instrumentalist Jonah Nimoy and drummer Brandon Pertzborn — then joined in for a rocking (yet, sadly, abbreviated) take on that same album’s legendary title track.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025
Tessa Petak, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
The collection is a bit of a 180° for the athlete, who's known for rocking baggier getups while flying down a hill — or several feet in the air — when competing in his specialized slope style, big air and big-mountain skiing.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Re-sign Tyler Linderbaum, put Ioane next to him, and Baltimore’s offensive line would be rocking again.
—Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
The rise in popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic is causing a wider societal shift that is now rocking the food industry.
—New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2026
Here’s what to know about the scandal rocking Shein.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
But that certainly didn’t stop the critics from nitpicking everything from her rocking sleeveless dresses to not wearing hosiery.
—Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
Backed by guitarist Larry Campbell, drummer Steve Jordan, bassist Joey Spampinato of NRBQ, and pianist Ivan Neville, Richards’ set was brief — only three songs — but made up for the brevity with a clanking, juke-joint-rocking performance.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
An incredible comeback had Paycor Stadium rocking in disbelief.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
Hey, if the formula’s rocking, why change it now?
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2025
The rest of the quintet — vocalist Dexter Holland, bassist Todd Morse, multi-instrumentalist Jonah Nimoy and drummer Brandon Pertzborn — then joined in for a rocking (yet, sadly, abbreviated) take on that same album’s legendary title track.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
In the first slide, a selfie captured Bieber rocking beach waves and a plunging black tank top, while the second image featured her ankle adorned with a gold chain and charm of her son's name next to Jack's tiny foot.
—Tessa Petak, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
The collection is a bit of a 180° for the athlete, who's known for rocking baggier getups while flying down a hill — or several feet in the air — when competing in his specialized slope style, big air and big-mountain skiing.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Re-sign Tyler Linderbaum, put Ioane next to him, and Baltimore’s offensive line would be rocking again.
—Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
The rise in popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic is causing a wider societal shift that is now rocking the food industry.
—New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2026
Here’s what to know about the scandal rocking Shein.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
But that certainly didn’t stop the critics from nitpicking everything from her rocking sleeveless dresses to not wearing hosiery.
—Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
Backed by guitarist Larry Campbell, drummer Steve Jordan, bassist Joey Spampinato of NRBQ, and pianist Ivan Neville, Richards’ set was brief — only three songs — but made up for the brevity with a clanking, juke-joint-rocking performance.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
An incredible comeback had Paycor Stadium rocking in disbelief.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rocking
Verb
-
And some people kept watching and swaying and moving.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Some people kept watching and swaying and moving.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The other half sees an economy on the verge of faltering, with rising unemployment, that needs easier money to avoid recession.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
9 Dec. 2025
-
Efforts to advance a US peace plan for Gaza appear to be faltering over reconstruction and security challenges.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
There’s Walter’s serene cello and Marjorie’s pensive, slightly coy violin, sometimes playful or petulant or, still, a little vain and secretive — other times thin and trembling, lost in the haze of dementia.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
-
Lost in the trembling of my own body, trembling like Bunny’s body.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The midterm blue wave backlash is gathering, with the generic ballot lurching in the Democrats' favor and Trump’s popularity cratering.—
Matt Robison,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Dec. 2025
-
After 40 days, the longest government shutdown in American history finally appears to be lurching toward an end.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Structure information summary Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly resistant to earthquake shaking, though some vulnerable structures exist.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
While Bryant was able to come from behind, the Lady Hornets had a hard time shaking off the Lady Warriors.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Fairview came out throwing haymakers, dazing the Bruins in the early going.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
23 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The old dog slowed to a stop, nose full of bird stink, feathery tail quivering.—
Joel M. Vance,
Outdoor Life,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Picture a wobbling human jenga tower.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
7 Jan. 2026
-
After years of brisk growth, the Texas economy began wobbling in 2025, as tariffs, rising macroeconomic uncertainty and reduced immigration all began to take a toll on the jobs market.—
Trevor Bach,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rocking. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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