1
as in collision
a forceful coming together of two things
the whole railway platform shook from the shock of the two trains colliding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in astonishment
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
1
as in to appal
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to surprise
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
3
as in to scare
to strike with fear
the sudden appearance of the ghost shocked us to the core
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shock
Daniel D'addario, Variety, 23 July 2025
There's a degree of shock in this, as many assumed this plan would be safe, even as other plans like SAVE were legally challenged.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Parents are often shocked by the changes in their kids when puberty hits.
—Cyndy Etler, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock
Noun
So all of this comes as something of a shock: What happened?
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 23 July 2025
There's a degree of shock in this, as many assumed this plan would be safe, even as other plans like SAVE were legally challenged.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Verb
Tyler, The Creator shocked fans recently with the surprise release of his brand new album Don’t Tap the Glass.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Parents are often shocked by the changes in their kids when puberty hits.
—Cyndy Etler, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
-
The maximum altitude for the route the helicopter was taking was 200 ft, but the collision occurred at an altitude of around 300 ft.—
David Shepardson,
USA Today,
31 July 2025
-
The pair, who were romantic and business partners, were reportedly involved in a head-on collision along with Amodio Valerio Giurni, on Sunday, when an octogenarian drove the wrong way on Italy’s A4 Turin-Milan highway.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
Bare feet on grass, and astonishment at my little apple tree.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
31 July 2025
-
In an era of deepfakes and algorithmic sleight-of-hand, authentic astonishment is more valuable than ever.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
McLaren Racing Formula One driver Oscar Piastri was surprised by the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying result after Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set a fastest time of 1:15.372, securing his first pole position of the season.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
-
The campaign claims Bronin’s early haul is twice what Larson had in cash on hand at the end of Q2, though the congressman was surprised by the flurry of challenges to what until now has been his certain reelection.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
There’s a thread of carbolic soap, though not enough to scare away those even moderately familiar with smoky Islay Scotch.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
Officials used horns, sirens and lights to scare the dogs away from Culbertson, according to KC Pet Project documents obtained by The Star.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
Needing a jolt at the half, Ramsay brought Robin Lod and Bongi Hlongwane off the bench for Carlos Harvey in central midfield and Julian Gressel at right wingback, respectively.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
27 July 2025
-
Many deliver a fast jolt of nutrients to plants, often far more than what the plants can use.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
Concerned, the owner instantly got ready to jump in after Zoro the dog, but to his amazement the puppy worked it out, paddling with ease to the side of the pool.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
-
After 80 minutes of the highest highs and lowest lows, of falling in and out of love with life, of smelling the most sensual roses on the planet in a search for renewal, resurrection arrives in a blaze of amazement.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2025
Verb
-
Spielberg imagined it as a noise that has the power to appall.—
David Denby,
Vulture,
3 July 2025
-
Still, there is plenty here that should appall both Democrats and Republicans.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Its steadfast dedication to its classic roots, combined with a fearless spirit of innovation, results in pieces that never fail to amaze.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
14 July 2025
-
Red tint amazes skywatchers Smartphones not enough to capture moon's beauty What would a lunar eclipse look like if the earth was flat?—
Jenny Porter Tilley,
Louisville Courier Journal,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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