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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
The solid-state design is durable too, able to withstand up to 10,000 g shocks and has component-level protection against dust ingress to IP58 standards. Paul Ridden may 13, New Atlas, 13 May 2025 The collar corrects your dog's behavior using sound vibration and small shocks. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
Were you shocked by any of the eliminations along the way? Andy Swift, TVLine, 16 May 2025 Shock And Awe At Incredible Rescue Of Dog From Sea Cliff Edge By Rachael O'Connor Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 Animal lovers have been shocked by a daring rescue of a dog who had fallen into sea and ended up on a cliff edge. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
  • The collision of the Cuauhtémoc with the Brooklyn Bridge comes just 16 months after a massive cargo ship plowed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
  • Crew members were harnessed to the masts for the ship’s traditional departure performance at the time of the collision.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • This article aims to challenge this prevailing sense of astonishment.
    David Chauvet, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The accidental inclusion of The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat detailing where bombs were going to fall in Yemen has managed to elicit bipartisan astonishment and criticism.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Dad Shaves Beard Off For First Time In 9 Years, Daughter Has Best Reaction By Jack Beresford Senior Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 A toddler was left speechless after her dad surprised her by shaving his beard off for the first time in nearly a decade.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025
  • Roan, along with other social media influencers, would be surprised by research that consistently shows that married mothers are among one of the happiest cohorts in society.
    Kelsey Reinhardt, National Review, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Start to say no to distractions that do not serve your higher purpose, and start saying yes to the things that challenge you, stretch you and even scare you a little.
    Melissa Sierra, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
  • What scares and excites you about where AI is headed for the next generation of artists?
    Lily Marks, Time, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • Now, the Red Sox seem to be turning toward Campbell as an option at first base, a move that would open the door for top infield prospect Marcelo Mayer to play second base and perhaps spark a lineup desperately in need of a jolt.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • The particular intersection of communities depicted here (LGBTQ and Muslim), as well as a handful of Sapphic scenes for the ages, gives the drama an undeniable jolt of freshness.
    Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • To my amazement, the weight started falling off after the first few weeks.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 May 2025
  • To my amazement, within a few weeks, Elizabeth had gotten into the habit of asking nicely instead of nagging.
    Debby Waldman, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Still, there is plenty here that should appall both Democrats and Republicans.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Dismay or appall you, sure, but never surprise you.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The way Yamal is handling his rise does not cease to amaze.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 12 May 2025
  • Regardless of how or why, that drive continues to amaze me.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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