rock 1 of 3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rock

2 of 3

verb

1
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
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rock

3 of 3

adjective

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
Rick Buckler, the drummer for English rock band The Jam, has died. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2025 Indoor rock climb at Carabiner’s Climbing and Fitness. Josh Ocampo, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
When Cher eventually won the trophy, her Best Actress competition Sally Kirkland (second row, seventh from right), who’s rocking a fuschia get-up, would notoriously be caught on-camera making a stink face at the envelope reveal, perhaps given high hopes by her surprise Golden Globe win for Anna. Zach Schonfeld, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025 The killing of Mizell rocked the hip-hop world and remained one of New York City's most notorious unsolved murders for decades. Rich Schapiro, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rock
Noun
  • This season not only revisits the familiar paths of America’s hidden gems and urban adventures but also spotlights sustainable travel, culinary-centric itineraries and culturally rich experiences.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Amidst the sprawling landscape of Los Medanos College, a 2-acre gem thrives with life, rooted in its mission to preserve California’s native plants and provide a sanctuary for students.
    Hema Sivanandam, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • As the dinosaur ambled away, great tail swaying behind its multi-ton body, golden goop began to trickle out of the tree where the wound had just been cut.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2025
  • After meeting with leaders Monday and Tuesday, however, a handful of the holdouts, such as Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), were swayed to vote for the resolution.
    Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • However, the partnership ended in early 2025, just weeks before this heist shook the crypto sphere.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
  • But shake off the stress because there are bountiful touch-up options on the market to conceal any unwanted color (or lack thereof).
    Deanna Pai, Allure, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The TikTok post has since gained attention, and Keziah was stunned by the reaction.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Then, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams stunned with her voluminous loose curls and signature brown lip liner and lipstick combo.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Again, no one should be surprised by Wednesday’s announcement.
    Bill McKibben, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The announcement did not surprise the market given Trump had previously alluded to the move, during discussion of his upcoming 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium, Piotr Ortonowski, head of copper market analysis at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, told CNBC.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The dominate theme this year was creatively designed jewels made with colored gems, followed by diamond jewels for engagement rings, wedding bands and large statement pieces.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • What might’ve seemed pithy or condescending in another movie becomes downright gorgeous, as each interviewee is bathed in monochromatic light, and shines like a precious jewel.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • For the 80 people on board the flight from Minneapolis, the world lurched immediately after the wheels hit the ground.
    Vjosa Isai, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Fritz revved the engine, a desperate, needling whine, and the vessel lurched down the airstrip, the chute billowing awake behind him.
    Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • If Maeda were to falter this spring, a role stashed away in the bullpen could be possible.
    Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Senate leaders chose to plow ahead with their budget plan even after Mr. Trump endorsed the House’s one-big-bill approach on Wednesday, characterizing their measure as a fail-safe should the House falter.
    Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rock. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

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