eye-opener

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 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 My shore excursion in Cartagena was an eye-opener. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026 Even with this pedigree, the Premier League has been an eye-opener. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 13 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
Noun
  • While Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis may have come as a shock to Catholics this week, the prognosis is likely a lot less scary.
    — Scott Detrow, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The initial shock of this freak accident is well-handled, notably when Jay tries to scramble up the whale’s jawline by climbing its teeth.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • From a computational perspective, Friston argues, attempting to reduce uncertainty—basically, working to avoid unpleasant surprises—is the brain’s primary goal.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Students had a surprise visitor — Kendall Jenner, who popped in to their classroom, looking way collegiate in an all-white outfit and sweater around her neck.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • What begins as a straightforward trip to rehab quickly spirals into a journey packed with mishaps, revelations and unexpected connections, forcing both Lucy and Tim to confront the messy realities of fame, family and recovery.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The revelation that Microsoft was holding back capacity — and in turn limiting Azure revenue — for a product that wasn't even seriously in the AI conversation, made the spending concerns even more understandable.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Graduated Bob Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images A shocker to no one, the beloved bob will continue to be everywhere this fall.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The Wildcats pulled off a shocker, beating the Bayou Bengals 35-34 in overtime.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In August of 2022, for example, more than a dozen people were injured after experiencing a violent jolt during the ride, according to court filings and state records reviewed by CNN.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Majidi’s victory on Thursday night also gives Midday Meal an instantaneous jolt of Oscars buzz.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Eye-opener.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eye-opener. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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