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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
Trujillo's death came as a shock to both the community and her family. Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 29 Sep. 2025 But Goldilocks could be in for a shock before the end of the year, Mueller-Glissmann wrote. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
Jared Bernstein, a top economic adviser in the Biden White House, was shocked by the mass layoff threat. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025 The former Brighton and Chelsea manager then informed the players and said his farewells, with many of the squad shocked at the timing of the decision. Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
  • The collision of these two worlds has presented problems for both Brady and the league.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
  • With every collision, more space debris is generated, and the likelihood of further collisions increases exponentially.
    Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Numerous Hollywood publicists, producers, media executives who spoke with CNN on Wednesday evening expressed their astonishment over the suspension.
    Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Rapace’s response externalizes four different beats, from a snort to a tear, astonishment to anger.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Reeve wasn’t surprised by Phoenix’s effort coming out of the halftime locker room.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Respecting the medium often surprises me with the most rewarding outcomes.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The modus operandi generally involved either scaring a convenience store owner and fleeing with thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes, like one such incident at a 7-Eleven in Walnut Creek where masked men stole $8,000 in tobacco products, authorities said.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • If someone unexpectedly opens the door to enter the room, a harsh alarm will sound to scare off the intruder—adding an extra layer beyond the hotel’s typical locks.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Trump gets his headlines, and inflicts a jolt of panic, and doesn't care whether this survives first contact with the courts.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The analyst community believes the launch of NikeSkims may be just the jolt the sports brand needs to fuel its restructuring.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • To her amazement, the twins’ dad answered.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Here fans of thrifting and the Starfield game shared their amazement.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 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
  • Andrew Harnik | Getty Images Shares of Oracle surged 36% in yesterday’s session after the company’s cloud growth estimates amazed Wall Street.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
  • What amazes me is how the same film sparks such different conversations, depending on the room.
    Eitan Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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