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 appall
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
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
The platform shoes add extra height, while providing extra cushioning for arch-support and shock absorption.
—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
Steve H. Hanke,
Fortune,
1 July 2026
Petey Angels, 64, another neighbor, said he was also shocked at the allegations.
—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for shock
Noun
Powerful twin earthquakes have killed 32 people and injured more than 700, the nation’s interim president said on June 25, after the massive shocks collapsed entire buildings and sent people running in panic.
—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
The platform shoes add extra height, while providing extra cushioning for arch-support and shock absorption.
—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
Verb
They would also be shocked to learn the reason for the absence of the word democracy in the founding document.
—
Steve H. Hanke,
Fortune,
1 July 2026
Petey Angels, 64, another neighbor, said he was also shocked at the allegations.
—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
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Leaving the scene of a property-damage collision can result in misdemeanor charges, fines and other penalties.
-
Under California’s vehicle code, hit-and-run collisions that lead to property damage but no injuries are classified as misdemeanors.
Noun
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The tournament brought more than a million visitors into the country, and a striking number of them have spent the trip documenting their astonishment at things Americans stopped seeing years ago.
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To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn.
Verb
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Seated beside Rosado on Wednesday, Lopez appeared appalled at what had transpired in recent weeks.
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Democratic lawmakers were predictably appalled by Pulte’s selection.
Verb
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But perhaps Modrić and Croatia can surprise everyone and make one more run.
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Ahead of the film’s world premiere at Karlovy Vary, Mack talked to THR about the inspiration for A Happy Family, wanting to surprise audiences and create debate, and why complexity and hope are such key ingredients.
Verb
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There was one American flag sign lit, with some storefront decor gleaming red, white and blue, but the heat seemingly scared most away from celebrating July 4 before Saturday's big day.
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Johnson says Monday was her first time on the Wild Mouse attraction; however, the experience did not scare her away from the park.
Noun
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The metal-and-glass construction gives it a more elevated look than its price might suggest, while the color combinations add a cheerful, almost retro jolt to a shelf, side table, or countertop.
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Takeoff and landing are when many aviation incidents occur—they’re considered the most critical phases of a flight and when an aircraft is most vulnerable to sudden, unexpected jolts of motion.
Noun
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The two, alongside friend Cameron Munro, were among the thousands of Scottish supporters who descended on Fenway Park earlier this week, to the amazement and delight of many Red Sox fans.
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Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.
Verb
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No longer is Cady an unrepentant rapist whom the lawyer Sam sent away, horrified by Cady’s violence and concerned about what men like Cady could do to Bowden’s own teenage daughter.
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The complications are horrifying doctors.
Cite this Entry
“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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