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
Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Faceoffs continue to be an issue This is not a shock because the Wild are perennially one of the league’s worst in the faceoff circle.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
In 2023, Maggie's husband and Paul's father Alex was found guilty of their murders, after shocking revelations about his drug use, financial fraud and other criminal activity.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock
Noun
So, when an audio recording of Erik’s hearing was unexpectedly released to a media outlet in the middle of Lyle’s parole hearing, the family was overcome with shock and fury.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Faceoffs continue to be an issue This is not a shock because the Wild are perennially one of the league’s worst in the faceoff circle.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
Aghion said he was shocked by the honor.
—CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
In 2023, Maggie's husband and Paul's father Alex was found guilty of their murders, after shocking revelations about his drug use, financial fraud and other criminal activity.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
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In their simulations, the dark matter collisions produce the same signal and have the same properties as those observed in the real world.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
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The collision is being investigated as the city’s 29th roadway death of the year, and the 14th to involve a pedestrian who died.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Many people who knew Mamdani before his run for mayor confessed to some astonishment at the success of his campaign.—
Eric Lach,
New Yorker,
9 Oct. 2025
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There was a mix of astonishment and reservation in Kyiv on Wednesday — contrasted with bitter dismissal and some mocking defiance in Moscow — after President Donald Trump said Ukraine could reclaim all of its territory, a dramatic change in rhetoric on the war.—
Freddie Clayton,
NBC news,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
That’s the one that surprised him the most.—
Jon Machota,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Pashkov wasn’t the only pro dancer surprised by the judges during dedication night.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Although Fish Hut Grill typically has a line out its door, don't let that scare you away.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
-
One great line to defend against and three others that won’t scare opposing head coaches.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Takaichi’s rise delivers a jolt to Japan’s political landscape.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
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The following week, against the Chargers, McCaffrey had his 50-yard catch up the middle to give the offense a jolt shortly before halftime.—
Nicki Jhabvala,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
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To Steve’s amazement, the bear suddenly dropped to all fours and stepped backward – five or 10 yards into the alders and willows.—
Marguerite Reiss,
Outdoor Life,
9 Oct. 2025
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To her amazement, the twins’ dad answered.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After going public together on social media, the pair have elicited strong reactions from people in their comments — some appalled by their age gap and others who quickly jump to their defense.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
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Hollywood leaders were astonished; free speech groups were appalled; and the episode triggered a multi-day news cycle about free speech and corporate capitulation to political pressure.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At Taiwan’s National Palace Museum, a jade cabbage continues to amaze visitors with its striking resemblance to the real vegetable.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
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Personality-wise, Luca amazes me.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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