1
as in collision
a forceful coming together of two things
the whole railway platform shook from the shock of the two trains colliding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in astonishment
the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual
were in shock after they heard the news of the death of the president
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to appal
to cause an unpleasant surprise for
Mom was shocked by the terrible news that her cousin had died in an accident I was shocked to find out that I was the victim of identity theft
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to surprise
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
were shocked by the way the law against public intoxication was constantly being broken
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to scare
to strike with fear
the sudden appearance of the ghost shocked us to the core
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shock
Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
The result is a hedge not only against market shocks, but against shifts in politics and society itself.
—Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
The shakeup shocked royal watchers as the new hue marked Kate's boldest hair transformation to date, and the length also appeared to be the longest ever.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock
Noun
For a long moment, his face remained unchanged, failing to register the shock.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
The result is a hedge not only against market shocks, but against shifts in politics and society itself.
—Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
But then Bolillo grew into his full, adult body and shocked everyone.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
The shakeup shocked royal watchers as the new hue marked Kate's boldest hair transformation to date, and the length also appeared to be the longest ever.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
-
The growing number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) also worries space sustainability experts, who warn about the increasing risk of orbital collisions.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The waveforms of those signals serve as an audio fingerprint—in this case, evidence for two black holes spiraling inward toward each other and merging in a massive collision event, sending powerful shock waves across spacetime.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Dershowitz during the impeachment trial offered an expansive defense of presidential power that provoked astonishment among Democrats.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Rapace’s response externalizes four different beats, from a snort to a tear, astonishment to anger.—
Ritesh Mehta,
IndieWire,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The potential intruder surprises her in the water.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
-
In New York City, Charlie Sheen embarks on a book tour for his new memoir, The Book of Sheen, while Doja Cat surprises fans at her pop-up in Union Square.—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Just enough time to snap some selfies and scare your housemates.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Their offense, outside their all-world quarterback, doesn’t scare anybody, not without Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (injury), and with Travis Kelce in Year 13.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Ainscough, a Studio Ashby alum who launched her solo design practice in 2020, took those distinctive doors as a starting point for the scheme of gentle greens, blues, and golden yellows—interjected with bold jolts of cherry and crimson.—
Fiona McCarthy,
Architectural Digest,
9 Sep. 2025
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Even with the team’s need for a jolt of offense, Muncy insists there is no undue pressure associated with his return.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
And rather than indignation or rage or fury, what comes through in the letters is his sheer amazement at being in this predicament.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Redditors React Redditors were quick to share their amazement.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Kennedy holds views that clash sharply with the president’s legal reform agenda and should appall anyone who supports the president’s goal of reforming America’s legal system.—
Tiger Joyce,
Boston Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Leo’s appalled; Geno looks forward to eating.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
What amazes me is how the same film sparks such different conversations, depending on the room.—
Eitan Weiss,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
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The 90-yard dash along the right sideline one play after Ruvalcaba’s interception amazed his teammates.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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