SHOCK Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

shock 1 of 2

noun

ˈshäk

Definition of shock next

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

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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

shock

2 of 2

verb

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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as in to scare

to strike with fear the sudden appearance of the ghost shocked us to the core

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

Despite the shock of the brazen public execution, his death has spurred widespread anger at the health insurance industry and its top officials, with many even defending the gunman as a folk hero who was justified in his violence. —

Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 Task-force torturers beat and administered electric shocks to the women for nearly a week. —

Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024

Verb

After a long, mild fall, New Englanders are not the only ones shocked by the sudden arrival of winter temperatures. —

Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024 With resale prices for her last show in Vancouver hitting four digits, fans might be shocked to know a restricted view ticket in Lisbon, Portugal, was $81 while a floor seat in Paris was $150. —

Bryan West, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shock

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock

Noun

Previous observations from Hubble in 1994 hinted at the complexity of quasar environments, suggesting that galactic collisions and mergers play a key role in powering these celestial giants.

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
While that collision was briefly avoided due to COVID-19, California once again is confronted with a Gann issue that can no longer be ignored.

Jon Coupal, Orange County Register, 8 Dec. 2024