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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
To be sure, Peru's economy and markets could still face a significant shock as global oil prices rise due to the Iran War.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026
Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 19 Mar. 2026
In a statement to local station WOI-TV Wednesday, the company said that it was relieved for Okland's family but shocked at the arrest of Ramsey, whom the statement identified as an employee of one its businesses, Midland Title & Escrow.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shock
Noun
Hulu's decision came as a shock for fans and was an unusual example of such a high-profile television project being scrapped before even making it to the air.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
To be sure, Peru's economy and markets could still face a significant shock as global oil prices rise due to the Iran War.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
The five-part podcast, The Idiot, is hosted, written and reported by Gessen, who describes disliking their cousin, Allen, growing up, and then being shocked to find out he was arrested for trying to put a hit out on his ex-wife.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 19 Mar. 2026
In a statement to local station WOI-TV Wednesday, the company said that it was relieved for Okland's family but shocked at the arrest of Ramsey, whom the statement identified as an employee of one its businesses, Midland Title & Escrow.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
-
Senate Bill 26-141 would create a wildlife collision prevention fund in Colorado.—
Olivia Young,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center plans to incorporate bird-friendly glass, a move aimed at reducing deadly collisions with reflective surfaces.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Embiid said in astonishment after the game.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
-
To my astonishment, the classic poem became one of the most mind-expanding literary experiences of my life.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
As a relative newcomer to San Diego, I am appalled by the condition of the main roads in this city.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Undeterred by danger and appalled by hospital conditions, Annie organized the Keokuk Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society (KLAS), serving as its corresponding secretary.—
Hanna Howard,
Des Moines Register,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Safford said he was surprised by the turnout.—
CBS News Atlanta Staff,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
News in the media also might surprise you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But, for whatever reason, something has scared FSG off.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
-
And while the lack of pass rush production in college should rightfully scare teams away from Faulk, his size and run-game ability provide a stable floor to work with early in his career.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Penning didn’t add much of a jolt to the Chargers’ attempts to secure more protection for Herbert in the second half of the season, often struggling to keep opposing pass rushers in front of him.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The Atlantic Coast Conference entered the season hoping to create a jolt for men’s basketball, a flagship sport facing a dwindling count of March Madness bids in recent years.—
Mercury News,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
When Adebayo hit his final two foul shots to reach 83 points, players shook their heads in amazement.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The time and attention to detail afforded it by Lord and Miller suggest that the directors are as susceptible as any of us to that amazement, elevated by the moving solemnity and celestial dimensions of Daniel Pemberton’s beautiful score.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Reading the flood of comments that piled up underneath the posts, I was horrified to see how many expressed solidarity with the chef rather than with his victims.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
-
In the years since Boogie Nights, Leo has made an unlikely hit out of The Man in the Iron Mask, then took the role of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, showing off his range and turning that surreal and often horrifying movie into another $100 million feather in his cap.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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