Synonyms of shocks

shocks 1 of 2

noun

plural of shock

1

as in collisions

a forceful coming together of two things

the whole railway platform shook from the shock of the two trains colliding

Synonyms & Similar Words

• collisions
• jolts
• impacts
• crashes
• thumps
• bumps
• blows
• slams
• encounters
• slaps
• contacts
• kicks
• concussions
• punches
• knocks
• impingements
• strikes
• jars
• jounces
• hits
• wallops
• buffets
• smashes
• raps
• touches
• thrashings
• batterings
• bashings
• meetings
• lickings

2

as in astonishments

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

• astonishments
• amazements
• surprises
• dismays
• awes
• wonderments
• wonders
• confusions
• stupefactions
• startlements
• startles
• bewilderments
• consternations
• discomfitures

shocks

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of shock

1

as in appalls

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

• appalls
• horrifies
• scares
• stuns
• jolts
• frightens
• startles
• shakes
• outrages
• astonishes
• terrifies
• shakes up
• disgusts
• alarms
• amazes
• floors
• overwhelms
• panics
• flabbergasts
• stupefies
• dismays
• frights
• dumbfounds
• upsets
• spooks
• freaks (out)
• revolts
• terrorizes
• awes
• sickens
• scandalizes
• displeases
• disturbs
• nauseates
• affrights
• offends
• unsettles
• distresses
• scarifies
• knocks for a loop
• bowls over
• astounds
• repels
• disquiets
• disconcerts
• unnerves
• discomforts
• daunts
• perturbs
• dispirits
• undoes
• emasculates
• unstrings
• chills
• turns off
• demoralizes
• unmans
• discomposes
• overpowers
• weirds out
• crushes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• delights
• pleases
• buffers
• cushions
• rejoices
• tickles
• gratifies
• assures
• cheers
• tempts
• charms
• entices
• comforts
• soothes
• consoles
• reassures
• solaces

2

as in surprises

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

• surprises
• amazes
• stuns
• startles
• astonishes
• rocks
• flabbergasts
• stupefies
• dumbfounds
• astounds
• bewilders
• takes by surprise
• bowls over
• perplexes
• confuses
• takes aback
• thunderstrikes
• disconcerts
• dismays
• floors
• dazes
• befuddles
• blindsides
• discomfits
• nonpluses
• blows away
• shakes up
• muddles
• confounds
• jars
• knocks for a loop

3

as in scares

to strike with fear

the sudden appearance of the ghost shocked us to the core

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scares
• frightens
• terrifies
• startles
• spooks
• horrifies
• shakes
• panics
• frights
• alarms
• terrorizes
• affrights
• scarifies
• jolts
• appalls
• amazes
• worries
• gives one the creeps
• dismays
• awes
• makes one's flesh creep
• distracts
• shakes up
• astounds
• unsettles
• upsets
• distresses
• disturbs
• bowls over
• disquiets
• daunts
• unnerves
• disconcerts
• discomforts
• dispirits
• floors
• perturbs
• emasculates
• unstrings
• chills
• undoes
• unmans
• demoralizes
• discomposes
• psychs (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassures
• assures
• cheers
• comforts
• soothes
• consoles
• encourages
• inspires
• steels
• solaces
• emboldens
• heartens

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shocks

Noun

Even diversified supply cannot shield countries from large shocks in global markets, as the American experience with soaring fuel prices shows. — Laurence Tubiana, Time, 6 Nov. 2026

In an era of recurring shocks, the economies that prepare before the next disruption will be best placed not just to endure it, but to emerge stronger. — Jihad Azour, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Europe, a net energy importer, is vulnerable to external energy shocks and has seen prices rise steadily since the start of the Iran war. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

That evolution has provided a playground for screenwriters contriving elaborate shocks. — Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Systems like reinsurance also strengthen America’s global competitiveness by helping businesses recover quickly from supply-chain shocks and invest boldly, rather than holding back capital for worst-case scenarios. — Monica Ningen, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2026

Its presence is incongruous and inescapable, shocks of green in a sea of clay. — Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026

The United States is working with allies, notably in the Indo-Pacific, to expand military production and make supply chains resilient to shocks. — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

The indictment describes alleged incidents involving electric shocks, simulated drowning, beatings and other abuses at Venezuelan detention facilities. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

Verb

Thomas shocks Vision back to life, but this somehow alerts Butcherbird; Vision’s mindscape fills with oppressive red lighting, ominously circling birds, and TVs crackling with static. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

Triple murder shocks Miami Machado and Sierra, who had a history of domestic violence, split up shortly before the killings. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

One team usually shocks the world with a run to the postseason. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

The incident shocks audience members and sends cast and crew into a meltdown. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026

Vernon said deputies, in accordance with the sheriff’s usage policy, will have to justify additional time the glove shocks the person. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Nixon shocks Florida Democrats with primary upset Everything was stacked against the 32-year-old state legislator in a race establishment Democrats had hoped to make somewhat competitive this fall. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

All the regulars head inside, but then a loud boom shocks viewers. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 July 2026

Jean-Marie Le Pen shocks France by reaching the presidential runoff, losing to Jacques Chirac in a landslide. — ABC News, 6 July 2026