shocked 1 of 2

adjective

ˈshäkt How to pronounce shocked (audio)
Definition of shockednext
1
as in stunned
affected with sudden and great wonder or surprise the escaping bridegroom bid farewell to the shocked wedding guests as he ran out the door

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2
as in disgusted
filled with disgust we were shocked at the appalling conditions in the prison

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3
as in frightened
filled with fear or dread the hikers were so shocked at the sight of a bear that they didn't dare move

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shocked

2 of 2

verb

past tense of shock
1
as in appalled
to cause an unpleasant surprise for Mom was shocked by the terrible news that her cousin had died in an accident I was shocked to find out that I was the victim of identity theft

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2
as in surprised
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected were shocked by the way the law against public intoxication was constantly being broken

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3
as in scared
to strike with fear the sudden appearance of the ghost shocked us to the core

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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 shocked
Adjective
There’ll still be conversations surrounding the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and most of us anticipate a lot of shocked reactions from those learning when our birthdays and wedding anniversaries take place. — Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026 Her fiancé, Chris, wasn’t exactly shocked to find that Elena had followed through on the idea. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
When human remains were found in suitcases abandoned by the side of a rural Wisconsin road, a community was left shocked and searching for answers. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 Because in January, the legendary recording artist shocked the crowd during an unannounced stop at the Village of Wellington’s 30th anniversary celebration of its incorporation, in western Palm Beach County. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shocked
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocked
  1. stunned
  2. disgusted
  3. frightened
  4. appalled
  5. surprised
  6. scared
  7. amazed
  8. sick
Adjective
  • It was released as the third of the three-pack of new albums Drake dropped to stunned audiences this May.
    — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
  • As Bijan Robinson raced down the sideline and the rest of his Falcons teammates sprinted in pursuit, a mixture of an eerie hush and a stunned buzz fell over Caesars Superdome from a crowd still not entirely settled in its seats.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of stunned
Adjective
  • No wonder disgusted fans have protested both inside and outside Angel Stadium all summer.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Chris basically split us down the middle and decided who’s gonna be happy about what's happening around him and who’s gonna be kinda disgusted.
    — Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of disgusted
Adjective
  • Discovering that your identity has been stolen can leave you feeling angry, frightened and unsure where to begin.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In one video, a young orangutan can be seen crouching in the corner of a small, dark crate, its frightened eyes wide open.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of frightened
Verb
  • Once inside the industry, Roper was appalled by how airlines set prices.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Even if the company still had footage of what had happened, she was appalled by the idea of anyone watching it.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of appalled
Verb
  • One early adopter, Matt Robb, gave Muse the keys to his Facebook Marketplace account and was surprised when buyers started showing up at his front door ready to pick up their purchase.
    — Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Some Republicans aren’t surprised by the backseat role Musk has taken.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of surprised
Verb
  • Then, after his shoulder injury scared off Miami, New Orleans landed a quarterback entering his prime.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Elmore says the bear eventually climbed down the side of the truck, and employees scared it away from the area.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of scared
Adjective
  • For now, that gives New Yorkers one more reason to stop, look up, and be amazed.
    — Nick Caloway, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Historian George is still amazed at the resilience of the neighborhood.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of amazed
Adjective
  • The goats’ dire situation first came to light when a former dairy employee raised concerns after witnessing emaciated and sick animals on the property, the former employee told the Idaho Statesman last year.
    — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026
  • What’s interesting is that Conan Doyle got sick of writing Sherlock Holmes.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of sick

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Cite this Entry

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

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