shocker

noun

shock·​er ˈshä-kər How to pronounce shocker (audio)
Synonyms of shockernext
: one that shocks
especially : something horrifying or offensive (such as a sensational film or work of fiction)

Examples of shocker in a Sentence

The ending of the movie is a real shocker. Their divorce was a shocker.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 What wouldn’t be a shocker is if De Luca and Abdy, who delivered 11 Oscar wins this year to Warner Bros, and a blockbuster 2025, start their own studio. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026 Milan have had some shockers in recent years, but this is wonderful. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shocker

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shocker was circa 1824

Rhymes for shocker

See All Rhymes for shocker

Browse Nearby Words

shocked
shocker
shock excitation
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Cite this Entry

“Shocker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shocker. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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