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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in to stun
to make senseless or dizzy by a blow
she rocked the mugger with a single punch and then ran
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in rocklike
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of rock
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams, who played with Mabrey on the Chicago Sky in 2023, tried to show the Sun star how to execute a proper milly rock, and Phantom BC teammate Natasha Cloud gave Mabrey lessons on finding her rhythm in between sessions in the weight room.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
Essence, 24 June 2025
Pitt wore a green suit to the movie premiere, while Cruise rocked a charcoal gray suit.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rock
Verb
Yet amidst these setbacks, his mother was his constant rock, who managed the company’s books for 20 years.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams, who played with Mabrey on the Chicago Sky in 2023, tried to show the Sun star how to execute a proper milly rock, and Phantom BC teammate Natasha Cloud gave Mabrey lessons on finding her rhythm in between sessions in the weight room.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
Adjective
For many, rocking garments and accessories that reflect the richness of Black history while moving in rhythm to the soundtracks of the holiday’s celebration was not just a necessary reprieve, but a spiritual embrace.
—Essence, 24 June 2025
Pitt wore a green suit to the movie premiere, while Cruise rocked a charcoal gray suit.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rock
Noun
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Meanwhile, local favorite Pho Momma joined the notable Bib Gourmand list, cementing its status as one of Sacramento’s best under-the-radar dining gems.—
Keyla Vasconcellos,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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However, the journalist revealed in an interview with Vogue that the center stone is actually a rare pink diamond with a slight rose tone to the gem.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
25 June 2025
Verb
-
The White House’s fiscal policies will sway earnings too, as tax cuts, the end of certain tax credits, more spending on defense, and less spending on the social safety net ripple through corporate America and consumers.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
30 June 2025
-
The whipsaw of global trade negotiations can quickly sway market sentiment and pose an ongoing threat to the strength of this rally.—
Amala Balakrishner,
CNBC,
29 June 2025
Verb
-
And beside them, Milford, Weymouth and St. John’s of Shrewsbury also shook off their sub-20 seeding to advance at least once in an all-time showing of parity.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
21 June 2025
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The tragedy shook the small Ohio town — and stunned viewers who remembered the Stockdale family's 2008 appearance on ABC's Wife Swap.—
Christina Coulter,
People.com,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
Charlotte had stunned the Canucks with a goal at the 8:22 mark of the first period, and the game was tied 1-1 entering the final 20 minutes.—
Steve Lyttle,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2025
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The trade stunned the sport, perplexed rival executives and devastated Bostonians.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
In the past, she has been surprised by the condition of upholstered pieces at estate sales upon taking them outside.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
-
Our patients speak all these languages and occasionally surprise us with more, such as French or Bangla.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Perhaps this is because the power couple are the current owners of Casa Rosa, a jewel of contemporary architecture designed by Andrés Casillas de Alba in 1978.—
Katia Contreras,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2025
-
The philanthropist and felon endowed L.A. with what was then the largest urban park in the world and still remains a jewel of the city.—
Julia Wick,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
The world is lurching toward autocracy, with alarming speed.—
Elisa Manfredini,
Time,
14 June 2025
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In the final moments, Molly lurches forward into this brave new world, with nothing but the overalls on her back and her best friend who can barely start her car.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
And then, if the team falters, dumping before the Aug. 31 deadline for players to be eligible for postseason rosters?—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
-
In later grades, when there are no pictures or too many unfamiliar words to memorize, these readers would falter, and their reading troubles would hinder learning in other academic subjects.—
Denise Amos,
Mercury News,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rock. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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