as in shock
informal
something that shows or teaches you something in a surprising way
Traveling abroad can be a real eye-opener to many people. They say her biography is quite an eye-opener.
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Recent Examples of eye-opener
Going to Sheffield United was a bit of an eye-opener anyway, because their facilities were nowhere near the facilities of Manchester City.
—
Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
But under the hood, there are some other eye-openers.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
The 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne would be an eye-opener for Dellinger and Bowerman.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 29 July 2025
The Trump administration’s fights with Harvard and Columbia are eye-openers for other universities that are trying to decipher how to handle the president and his desire to exert control over their policies.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for eye-opener
Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
But under the hood, there are some other eye-openers.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
The 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne would be an eye-opener for Dellinger and Bowerman.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 29 July 2025
The Trump administration’s fights with Harvard and Columbia are eye-openers for other universities that are trying to decipher how to handle the president and his desire to exert control over their policies.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for eye-opener
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eye-opener
Noun
-
Last year’s shock results included Aston Villa beating Bayern Munich 1-0 at home in the league phase, as Unai Emery led them to the quarter-finals.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
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Sneakily announced right before the Emmy Awards started on Sunday night, the news came as a shock considering Stokes had just posted an Instagram photo dump celebrating Ballerini’s birthday two days prior on September 12.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The only minor criticism is that there is a lot of visual detail in the game, and enemy attacks, as well as their sudden movements, can often take you by surprise.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The sensitivity maximum actually took me by surprise.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The revelation arrives months after the Red Bull driver set a new unofficial lap record at the Nürburgring, under the name Franz Hermann.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
As Wells Fargo reels from revelations that its mistake cost hundreds of people their homes, the bank is blaming the problem on faulty computer software.—
Deon Roberts,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The tally for August followed a shocker for July, and the latest report showed payroll growth stalling, unemployment climbing to its highest level in nearly four years, and months of more downward revisions.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
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Would a 9-8 finish be a massive shocker?—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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An initial jolt of spicy pink pepper dissipates to reveal a rose dripping in honeyed, ambery sweetness, while its leathery base adds strength, dimension, and something a little bit naughty to this fruity-floral triumph of a scent.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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The drop is another noticeable jolt for consumers and lenders alike.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Eye-opener.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eye-opener. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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