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
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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 appall
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
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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
Krutika Kuppalli,
STAT,
26 June 2026
Her camera captured her shock as the whole room started shaking.
—
CBS News,
26 June 2026
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
But that’s likely little comfort to American families shocked at the sticker price of college costs.
—
Thomas Adam,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shock
Noun
Most patients present with fever, profound fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, while severe illness is driven by dehydration, shock, immune dysregulation, and multiorgan dysfunction rather than catastrophic hemorrhage.
—
Krutika Kuppalli,
STAT,
26 June 2026
Her camera captured her shock as the whole room started shaking.
—
CBS News,
26 June 2026
Verb
Gabriel said she was shocked by the allegations against Tyson.
—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
But that’s likely little comfort to American families shocked at the sticker price of college costs.
—
Thomas Adam,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
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The collision sent Bowie careening into a minivan parked nearby.
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Now, a team of researchers assessed this signal and found a feature in the gravitational waves represents the collective event horizon of the involved black holes at the very moment of that collision.
Noun
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The tournament brought more than a million visitors into the country, and a striking number of them have spent the trip documenting their astonishment at things Americans stopped seeing years ago.
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To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn.
Verb
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Seated beside Rosado on Wednesday, Lopez appeared appalled at what had transpired in recent weeks.
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Democratic lawmakers were predictably appalled by Pulte’s selection.
Verb
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Through the fantastical nature of this story and the original nature of the omniscient narrator Ahmad is able to continually surprise.
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There was also a nice moment with his dad, who surprised him after flying to New York on a red-eye Sunday morning.
Verb
-
Don’t be scared by his blue eyes.
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The intent of the letters isn’t to scare people, but to educate them about water stewardship, Talbott said.
Noun
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The action sequences are jerky and disjointed; Supergirl’s laser eyes constitute the only occasional, if inadequate, jolt of life.
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Dorofeyev will join fellow 25-and-under forwards Alexis Lafrenière and Gabe Perreault in a top six that suddenly has a jolt of offensive potential.
Noun
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The two, alongside friend Cameron Munro, were among the thousands of Scottish supporters who descended on Fenway Park earlier this week, to the amazement and delight of many Red Sox fans.
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Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.
Verb
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No longer is Cady an unrepentant rapist whom the lawyer Sam sent away, horrified by Cady’s violence and concerned about what men like Cady could do to Bowden’s own teenage daughter.
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The complications are horrifying doctors.
Cite this Entry
“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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