ROCK Synonyms: 183 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rock 1 of 3

noun

Definition of rock next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rough

rock

2 of 3

verb

ˈräk

as in to sway

to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions the boat was rocking so much that several passengers felt seasick

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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

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as in to stun

to make senseless or dizzy by a blow she rocked the mugger with a single punch and then ran

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as in to surprise

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the news of the mayor's sudden death rocked the city

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rock

3 of 3

adjective

as in rocklike

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to mankind, is nailed to a rock where an eagle lands each day to feed on his liver, which then regenerates. —

Daniel Seifert, JSTOR Daily, 5 Feb. 2025 The brown suede style, complete with a shaggy trim, was styled with brown leather knee boots—and is exactly the type of look that Penny would wear to a ’70s rock show. —

Christian Allaire, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025

Verb

This often leaves new parents rocking and soothing their little ones at all hours of the night. —

Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 3 Feb. 2025 Naturally, some folks on the Internet got upset and a huge debate ignited on X over the weekend pitting London and New York City against each other, with some users claiming to have rocked Nike Tech suits before anyone in the U.S. knew who the U.K. rapper was. —

Angel Diaz, Billboard, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for rock

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rock

Noun

The designer gems are from Barrett Barrera Projects’ fashion collection.

— Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 2 Feb. 2025
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay, this gem of a state park features hiking and biking trails, as well as four primitive camping areas—two on the ocean side and two on the bay side.

— Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 2 Feb. 2025

Definition of gem

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“Rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rock. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of rock

noun

verb

adjective

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