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shock

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word shock different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of shock are collision, concussion, and impact. While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force.

the shock of falling rocks

When can collision be used instead of shock?

In some situations, the words collision and shock are roughly equivalent. However, collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded.

the collision damaged the vehicle

Where would concussion be a reasonable alternative to shock?

The synonyms concussion and shock are sometimes interchangeable, but concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

When is impact a more appropriate choice than shock?

The words impact and shock can be used in similar contexts, but impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.

the glass shattered on impact with the floor

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 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • To her amazement, the twins’ dad answered.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Personality-wise, Luca amazes me.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025

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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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