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

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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
Flynn, who’s based in Flagstaff, Ariz., photographed one couple embraced in a Spider-Man-style kiss while climbing on sheer rock face in Moab and another under the moonlight at Yosemite’s Glacier Point after a middle-of-the-night hike in total isolation. Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025 During the early years, the Pines might have been best known as the home to the Hollywood Sportatorium, where people stuck in a long line of cars snaked along a two-lane road to see rock concerts. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Verb
Page Six notes that baby Wave has been rocking the braid pattern since at least April, while Diggs was first photographed with it this week while working out at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. alongside his New England Patriots teammates. Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 5 June 2025 But as team owner of Team Penske, he was forced to dismiss three key members of management after the team was rocked by a second scandal in as many years. Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rock
Noun
  • Here are The Athletic’s pick of Wirtz alternatives, from his fellow high-fee buys to hidden gems.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • Globally recognized as one of the most important global spirits competitions, the IWSC has been uncovering gems for over 50 years.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Should you be swayed by the AI luminaries or more so by the AI experts and their scientific consensus?
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Tuesday, June 3 Tuesday brings a greater mix of significant earnings reports and economic data releases that could sway market sentiment.
    Catherine Baab, Quartz, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (R) after a signing ceremony following their bilateral talks at Kumsusan state residence in Pyongyang, on June 19, 2024.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • This isn’t the first time Kotb’s amassed the courage to shake things up.
    Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • The Pacers hold a 2-0 series lead after stunning the Knicks at MSG in Games 1 and 2.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
  • Related article Tyrese Haliburton and Indiana Pacers stun New York Knicks in overtime to take Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals Siakam insisted, however, that he and his teammates were not getting distracted by the prospect of writing their names in franchise history.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • But none of them have surprised me with their brilliance.
    Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Today's teen slang might seem like complete gibberish, but you may be surprised by how many terms echo phrases from the past.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • The jewel of the home, a heated pool for swimming laps in the mornings, is located at the center of the inner courtyard, while the rooftop terrace offers an accommodating space for dining and lounging while taking in the city views.
    Shannon Sharpe, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
  • This past weekend featured the crown jewel of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) annual slate, the 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Juventus are lurching from one coach to the next with no real vision for the future, while the once-mighty AC Milan will miss out on Europe altogether next season and the likes of Fiorentina, Torino and Parma – all having won major trophies in the past – are shadows of their former selves.
    Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Wednesday’s primetime debate between the leaders of the five main political parties in the Great North has changed its start time to avoid clashing with a hockey game that could lurch the Montreal Canadiens into this year’s NHL playoffs.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But after a flagrant foul by Clark against Reese on Saturday, all the prior talk from each athlete about a lack of a rivalry seemed to falter.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025
  • If trade negotiations falter, these tariffs could take effect, potentially igniting a trade war and unsettling global markets.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rock. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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