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shock

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word shock different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of shock are collision, concussion, and impact. While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force.

the shock of falling rocks

When can collision be used instead of shock?

In some situations, the words collision and shock are roughly equivalent. However, collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded.

the collision damaged the vehicle

Where would concussion be a reasonable alternative to shock?

The synonyms concussion and shock are sometimes interchangeable, but concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

When is impact a more appropriate choice than shock?

The words impact and shock can be used in similar contexts, but impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.

the glass shattered on impact with the floor

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 shock
Noun
For a long moment, his face remained unchanged, failing to register the shock. Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025 The result is a hedge not only against market shocks, but against shifts in politics and society itself. Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
In fact, some Colorado wines have left visitors and critics surprised, even shocked, according to state industry experts. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025 And even after a couple of hours, you’ll be shocked to find that both the tint and the divinely dewy sheen remain. Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
  • Among the 14 other serious Marysville Boulevard collisions, 10 of them left 11 pedestrians or cyclists with severe injuries.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • But a collision wouldn’t have happened until much farther down the field.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Dershowitz during the impeachment trial offered an expansive defense of presidential power that provoked astonishment among Democrats.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Rapace’s response externalizes four different beats, from a snort to a tear, astonishment to anger.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Allow team members to collaborate, and then surprise you with the results.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • As is true every year there have been a few movies that have surprised people, but there’s a lot of enthusiasm for going to the theater.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Just enough time to snap some selfies and scare your housemates.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Their offense, outside their all-world quarterback, doesn’t scare anybody, not without Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (injury), and with Travis Kelce in Year 13.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • An initial jolt of spicy pink pepper dissipates to reveal a rose dripping in honeyed, ambery sweetness, while its leathery base adds strength, dimension, and something a little bit naughty to this fruity-floral triumph of a scent.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The drop is another noticeable jolt for consumers and lenders alike.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And rather than indignation or rage or fury, what comes through in the letters is his sheer amazement at being in this predicament.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Redditors React Redditors were quick to share their amazement.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kennedy holds views that clash sharply with the president’s legal reform agenda and should appall anyone who supports the president’s goal of reforming America’s legal system.
    Tiger Joyce, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Leo’s appalled; Geno looks forward to eating.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Andrew Harnik | Getty Images Shares of Oracle surged 36% in yesterday’s session after the company’s cloud growth estimates amazed Wall Street.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
  • What amazes me is how the same film sparks such different conversations, depending on the room.
    Eitan Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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