eye-opener

noun

Definition of eye-openernext
as in shock
informal something that shows or teaches you something in a surprising way Traveling abroad can be a real eye-opener to many people. They say her biography is quite an eye-opener.

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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 eye-opener Marta Kauffman, after making the first episode of Friends with Jimmy, said the eye-opener for her was his skill at dramaturgy. — Warren Littlefield, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026 The geographical diversity is a true eye-opener. — Lauren Keith, Robb Report, 30 May 2026 Small temperature shifts tied to her hormonal cycle were also a factor, which was an important eye-opener and was the most consequential factor in connecting the dots. — Allison Aubrey, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026 And while nobody specifically mentioned parking prices at Clippers home games, that $70 charge for the garage across the street from the Intuit Dome is an eye-opener. — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eye-opener
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eye-opener
  1. shock
  2. surprise
  3. revelation
  4. shocker
  5. jolt
Noun
  • Season 3 of the series returned with a bloody episode and a skyrocketing death toll, which continues to rise, as the rival Targaryen factions clashed in the shock-and-awe-inspiring Battle of the Gullet.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Rosenqvist’s departure was a bit of a shock, but Scott Dixon decision to leave Chip Ganassi Racing after 25 years with the team was of seismic proportions.
    — Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • High temperatures inside a car, even when no one is in it, can lead to some dangerous or messy surprises.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • Rob-Will is already lying in a pool of blood before that revelation.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • In the Gospel According to Luke, Jesus compares the days of Lot before the judgment of Sodom—a calm before the storm—to the coming revelation of the Son of Man, a title that Jesus calls himself.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Definition of revelation
Noun
  • Luckily, this deal squashes that qualm by knocking over $300 from the sticker shocker!
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • Not too much of a shocker, considering Gunn used him as the direct basis for the Krytonian canine companion.
    — Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of shocker
Noun
  • The metal-and-glass construction gives it a more elevated look than its price might suggest, while the color combinations add a cheerful, almost retro jolt to a shelf, side table, or countertop.
    — Erika Owen, Vogue, 1 July 2026
  • Takeoff and landing are when many aviation incidents occur—they’re considered the most critical phases of a flight and when an aircraft is most vulnerable to sudden, unexpected jolts of motion.
    — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Definition of jolt

Browse Nearby Words

eyeless
eye-opener
eye-openers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eye-opener.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eye-opener. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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