1
as in shook
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
the roller coaster car jerked and jolted as it coursed along the old wooden tracks
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in jerked
to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion
she jolted the door open with her elbow
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in shocked
to cause an unpleasant surprise for
the sneak terrorist attack jolted the country out of its indolence and indifference
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Recent Examples of jolted
Separately on Thursday, the number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits jolted higher after a cool showing in January.
—
Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
His restraint suits a story in which machine-kind and humankind begin to feel shrink-wrapped together, the ghosts belabored by increasing social pressure, the humans jolted by high-voltage wires.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Vanke’s dollar bonds due 2027 jumped about 3 cents Wednesday to 28 cents on the dollar, putting them on track for their highest price since late November when the builder jolted markets with its extension plans.
—Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
The University Park loan default is far from the only East Bay complex that has been jolted with loan issues.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Japan markets ride high on ‘Takaichi trade’ Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s plan to call a snap election jolted the country’s markets, as investors bet on her expansionary fiscal policy.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
In the late 18th century, just a few decades before Mary Shelley wrote her science fiction masterpiece, the Italian surgeon Luigi Galvani jolted the scientific community with experiments that used metal and electricity to compel disembodied frog legs to kick.
—Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 12 Jan. 2026
She was jolted awake to see her kids’ father coming at her, pointing a knife at her chest, prosecutors said.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
The earthquake jolted at a depth of 4 miles, with its epicenter about 9 miles north-northwest of Susanville.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
His restraint suits a story in which machine-kind and humankind begin to feel shrink-wrapped together, the ghosts belabored by increasing social pressure, the humans jolted by high-voltage wires.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Vanke’s dollar bonds due 2027 jumped about 3 cents Wednesday to 28 cents on the dollar, putting them on track for their highest price since late November when the builder jolted markets with its extension plans.
—Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
The University Park loan default is far from the only East Bay complex that has been jolted with loan issues.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Japan markets ride high on ‘Takaichi trade’ Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s plan to call a snap election jolted the country’s markets, as investors bet on her expansionary fiscal policy.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
In the late 18th century, just a few decades before Mary Shelley wrote her science fiction masterpiece, the Italian surgeon Luigi Galvani jolted the scientific community with experiments that used metal and electricity to compel disembodied frog legs to kick.
—Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 12 Jan. 2026
She was jolted awake to see her kids’ father coming at her, pointing a knife at her chest, prosecutors said.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
The earthquake jolted at a depth of 4 miles, with its epicenter about 9 miles north-northwest of Susanville.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolted
Verb
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Tomlyn asked, to which Chloe shook her head no.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2026
-
And after Britain scored four stones to take the score to 10-5 in end seven, Estonia’s Marie Kaldvee and Lill Harri also called an end to their match and shook hands.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Aisha jerked and opened her eyes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
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The two stood nose-to-nose on the field when the Steelers player grabbed onto Chase’s facemask, jerked his head and appeared to punch him.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
16 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Continue reading … POLITICS 'CIVICS LESSON’ — Republican shocked after anti-ICE sheriff stumped by basic government question.—
,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
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Many would be shocked to realize that the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny was very unlikely motivated by politics.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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No one spoke until Chuky shuddered his head and this time without laughing said, Shit, that’s crazy.—
Jonathan Miles,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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East Denver sushi fans shuddered in late December when Okinawa Japanese Cuisine, a mainstay on Colfax Avenue since 2010, closed and boarded up its doors with brown paper.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Texas coach Vic Schaefer has also yanked post players Justice Carlton and Ashton Judd after on-court errors in the first half, and the Longhorns entered this timeout with four guards and Oldacre on the court.—
Danny Davis,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Feb. 2026
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Mitchell’s companion yanked a necklace off Reed’s neck before both suspects fled the area, authorities said.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But just as those supporters should not be blamed for having mixed feelings, so Spurs staff would be entirely justified in feeling bemused, frustrated and appalled by any suggestion that fans do not want to get a result, just as Postecoglou was two years ago.—
Dan Kilpatrick,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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The unconscionable treatment of maids in Alma’s era finds uncomfortable parallels in the 1980s, when Angelika is both appalled and intrigued by the leering looks of her uncle Uwe (Konstantin Lindhorst).—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Group chats vibrated in confusion, anger and disbelief.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
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There was a low rumble that vibrated for a second or two, then faded away.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The big polar bear lurched forward, hitting top speed in two strides.—
Scott Haugen,
Outdoor Life,
4 Feb. 2026
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As Matt Woosnam reflected recently, the Premier League’s feel-good story has lurched into night terrors.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jolted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolted. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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