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
Kansas fashions itself as a rock fighter, too, with Hunter Dickinson, Dajuan Harris Jr. and KJ Adams largely clamping opponents this year — though Adams is out with a separated shoulder. Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025 The devices will be used to analyze lunar rock samples, evaluate navigation systems, and test ways of keeping lunar dust from interfering with landers. George Petras, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
Not to mention that 47% of beauty shoppers rock with brands pushing diversity and inclusivity, according to Mintel. Kori Hale, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Quinn and company had their boys ready to rock and the players executed the plan ridiculously well. Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for rock 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rock
Noun
  • But one hidden gem remains largely overlooked by most travelers: the Corinth Canal.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Maybe there’s a hidden Zion Williamson gem somewhere in this mess.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In the last clip, Alba continues to sway her hips and dance in a grey sweatshirt and matching leggings while Hayes dribbles his basketball.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • According to The Athletic, the option to pick his own general manager helped sway Coen’s mind and the 39-year-old was back in Jacksonville a day later to visit the team.
    Ben Morse, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The coach reportedly failed to shake hands with the coaches of Denver Torah.
    Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Video surveillance footage from inside the St. Paul Saloon showed Pickens shaking hands with Brown, then immediately making a phone call to Moore and tipping him off of Brown’s whereabouts.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Director Mohammad Rasoulof tracks social and moral collapse with the kind of unnerving calm and visual precision that made the Iranian New Wave so striking when Abbas Kiarostami’s Through the Olive Trees and Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s A Moment of Innocence first stunned the film world in the 1990s.
    Armond White, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Legal Challenges Image Legal scholars and immigration advocates said on Tuesday that they were stunned by the breadth of the order.
    Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Here are the 14 most shocking snubs and surprises from the 2025 Academy Awards shortlist.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The upside earnings surprised many, and consequently, the stock popped.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This Mediterranean jewel—shaped by ancient mythology and the birthplace of democracy—is counted among the top destinations to visit in the world for countless reasons, from its complex history and distinct culture to its natural beauty and traditional fresh cuisine.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Now, a Monday memo from the NIH’s acting director has provided some clarity amidst the uncertainty: The NIH, the crown jewel of American scientific research, would continue to perform its primary functions, including clinical trials and life-saving medical research.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • With a little modulation in either mode, the throttle is responsive without lurching.
    Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • But Fleming And John play their unholy hybrid with absolute conviction, the drums thundering and guitars lurching as Fleming McWilliams howls out her best Robert Plant.
    Marc Hirsh, Vulture, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Persistence is key – never falter, never surrender!
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The swingman’s stats have also faltered this past month, with his scoring and shooting attempts dropping drastically, which many have attributed to Butler’s uninspired play and seeming lack of motivation.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 28 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near rock

Cite this Entry

“Rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rock. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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