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
2
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

3 of 3

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

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

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 parade was followed by a two-day festival that included live entertainment ranging from bagpipes and Irish folk music to Celtic rock, Irish foods and beverages and an Irish marketplace with more than 250 vendors. Jane Tyska, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026 That could be mature trees, groundcover, rock pile or wall, brush or log pile, or others. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
The previous day, North Texas had been rocked by an upset in a special election for a state Senate seat. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026 Whether singing Van Halen, Chickenfoot or his robust solo material, Sammy Hagar still wants to rock. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
His backing musicians kick up dust, eschewing the post-rock pomp favored by his contemporary Chuck Johnson in favor of riverine structures that reflect the geologic time scale Walker wanted to capture here. Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026 Tortoise, Touch Touch, the first full-length by venerable Chicago post-rock outfit Tortoise since 2016’s The Catastrophist, catches the quintet pushing past the most bucolic stretches of the previous release. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rock
Noun
  • Letters, colorful gems, and simple shapes like stars and hearts are always popular.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The following gems exceed my high shopping standards and satisfy my taste for the finer things.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Some were swayed by the benefits the developer offered, and others have been spooked by the possibility of an affordable housing project in their backyard.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Antifa mobilizes in support of comrades on trial Ahead of jury deliberations, supporters of the defendants staged a protest on Wednesday afternoon outside the courthouse, with the apparent purpose of swaying the jury’s decision.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Another climb for oil prices shook stock markets on Friday, as hopes collapsed for a possible cut to interest rates this year by the Federal Reserve.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Heavy explosions shook Dubai early Friday as air defenses intercepted incoming fire over the city, where people were observing Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and mosques made the day's first call to prayers.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Ferreria, who broke out as Kat Hernandez on the HBO teen drama, stunned in a floor-length royal blue gown.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Marcus Smart leaned toward the microphone atop the podium as his press conference concluded — asking a question of the media after the Lakers stunned the Denver Nuggets 127-125 in overtime to win their fifth consecutive game Saturday night.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Safford said he was surprised by the turnout.
    CBS News Atlanta Staff, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • News in the media also might surprise you.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The exhibition showcases more than 60 objects made of silver, gold, enamel and precious jewels from several European monarchs and rulers to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
    Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • From 2006 to 2011, the series, about a teenager named Miley Stewart who lives a double life as a pop singer, was the crown jewel of the Disney Channel empire at the peak of its stronghold over American youth.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Over the course of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s term, CPS has lurched from budget crisis to budget crisis, able only to muddle through due to record-breaking mayoral declarations of tax-increment-financing surpluses.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • There are plenty of differences, but the stability Atleti have fostered in sticking with Simeone stands in stark contrast to Spurs’ habit of lurching between managers, styles and approaches.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Top-seeded Michigan survived an uninspiring performance to hold off Ohio State 71-67, while fourth-seeded Illinois blew a 15-point lead and faltered down the stretch in a 91-88 overtime loss to Wisconsin.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Democrats are hoping to make the expired subsidies an issue in the midterms, after bipartisan talks to revive them faltered.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rock. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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