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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 all of this comes as something of a shock: What happened? Daniel D'addario, Variety, 23 July 2025 There's a degree of shock in this, as many assumed this plan would be safe, even as other plans like SAVE were legally challenged. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Verb
Amanda Anisimova ousted the world's No. 1 female tennis player, Aryna Sabalenka, on Thursday in the Wimbledon semi-finals — shocking the sports world as the American moves onto the finals. / Cbs News, CBS News, 10 July 2025 In the 1970s, audiences were becoming harder to shock, but the black comedy A Boy and His Dog (1975) did just that, and became a cult film. Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
  • Alcohol was not a factor in the collision, police said.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
  • The driver of a red Lexus, 67-year-old Ray Longhi, was killed in the collision as well.
    Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • Among many of those who worked alongside him at UEFA, there is astonishment at the way Infantino first seized power and quickly learned to embrace it.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 June 2025
  • Others expressed astonishment that daily life still continues amid conflict.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Bruce Brigham, the business's president, said Howie Glass had been a Midwest Glass customer for about 30 years and they were surprised by the closure news.
    JC Reindl, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Couples who've been surprised by a string of baby boys or baby girls could be forgiven for wondering whether the odds in the offspring lottery are more than just pure chance.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • There’s a thread of carbolic soap, though not enough to scare away those even moderately familiar with smoky Islay Scotch.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Officials used horns, sirens and lights to scare the dogs away from Culbertson, according to KC Pet Project documents obtained by The Star.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Leafing through notes, photographs and manuscripts, Barnes also experienced a jolt of nostalgia for the tactual nature of objects.
    Brian Schaefer July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
  • The bravura sequence gets a fresh jolt when Nile abandons her lookout vessel and makes a spectacular entrance.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • The proud dad shared an adorable new photo with their little one on Instagram Wednesday, July 3 On Wednesday, July 2, Irwin's husband, Chandler Powell, 28, shared an adorable Instagram photo of Grace Warrior Irwin Powell staring in amazement at a rainbow.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 4 July 2025
  • Others shared their amazement at the animals captured on the video.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Spielberg imagined it as a noise that has the power to appall.
    David Denby, Vulture, 3 July 2025
  • Still, there is plenty here that should appall both Democrats and Republicans.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Its steadfast dedication to its classic roots, combined with a fearless spirit of innovation, results in pieces that never fail to amaze.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
  • Red tint amazes skywatchers Smartphones not enough to capture moon's beauty What would a lunar eclipse look like if the earth was flat?
    Jenny Porter Tilley, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.

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