rock 1 of 3

Definition of rocknext
slang
as in gem
a usually valuable stone cut and polished for ornament a trophy wife with enough rocks to open her own jewelry store

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rock

2 of 3

verb

1
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as in to shake
to swing unsteadily back and forth or from side to side the drunk rocked on his heels for a moment and then fell flat on his back

Synonyms & Similar Words

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rock

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rock different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of rock are agitate, convulse, and shake. While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval.

the whole city was rocked by the explosion

When could agitate be used to replace rock?

The synonyms agitate and rock are sometimes interchangeable, but agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring.

an ocean agitated by storms

Where would convulse be a reasonable alternative to rock?

In some situations, the words convulse and rock are roughly equivalent. However, convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm.

spectators were convulsed with laughter

When is it sensible to use shake instead of rock?

The meanings of shake and rock largely overlap; however, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose.

shake well before using

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 rock
Noun
The album marks the biggest streaming week of any album in 2026, Kahan’s largest streaming week and the biggest week for a rock album since Billboard began measuring by units in 2014. Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 3 May 2026 Kahan’s debut marks the biggest week for a rock album since the charts started measuring by units at the end of 2014. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 May 2026
Verb
This is Beyoncé, rocking a second-skin peachy nude Givenchy gown that can only be described as slaytex. Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026 On Sunday, a man was executed for his role in a murder committed during another round of protests that rocked Iran in 2022-2023 following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian Kurdish woman. CBS News, 4 May 2026
Adjective
An old soul with with a huge, commanding voice, his catalog hovers between the orchestral swoon of pre-rock ballads, the pristine melodies of Anita Baker and the rangy, resilient yearning of his hometown’s soul tradition. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026 Foote and Dickow have been collaborators for nearly three decades, playing together in Rex Ritter’s post-Jessamine band Fontanelle and the Portland post-rock band Nudge. Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rock
Noun
  • The Feins bought the property in 1986, paying $265,000 for a gem of post-art deco international style architecture built in 1939.
    Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 2 May 2026
  • Cratejoy box Box of Books is a customizable book subscription that features new releases, bestsellers, and hidden gems along with novelty items often found in an independent bookstore.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • That this reunion brought such a vast majority of his grads to push Schwarzman for selfies may mean he’s truly destined to sway the world on a more peaceful path.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 May 2026
  • One key problem with California’s direct democracy is that voters are easily swayed by broad promises, but then lose interest in real-world outcomes.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Abel made the rounds across the floor, stopping at each booth to greet employees and shake hands with shareholders.
    Yun Li,Alex Harring,Sarah Min, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • Bake until lemon curd is set but still jiggles slightly when gently shaken, 18–24 minutes.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • When the Met Gala honored Gianni Versace in 1997, Salma Hayek stunned in leather and was not shy about showing some skin.
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
  • On Friday, some were stunned by news of Herbst’s resignation — including the mayor.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Previous Spirit Airlines customers, however, may still be surprised by the Delta price tag.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 May 2026
  • Did Laurie’s approach to playing Linda surprise you?
    Brent Lang, Variety, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • The crown jewel is the 1988 Club, a transformation of the former Courtside Club into the franchise’s most exclusive offering.
    Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The jewel stayed with his son and successor, Duleep Singh, until the British Empire overtook Punjab a decade later.
    Doha Madani, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The ladies haven’t had that problem, lurching out of the gate like the racehorses at Ascot.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 1 May 2026
  • For weeks, the Strait of Hormuz has lurched between open and closed — mostly the latter — depending on the day’s escalation, underscoring how fragile a system built on global fossil fuel chokepoints has become.
    Jennifer Granholm, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The merger, announced about a year ago, faltered for several reasons.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • Most of that was driven by faltering corporation tax receipts.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rock. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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