shocking 1 of 2

adjective

ˈshä-kiŋ How to pronounce shocking (audio)
Definition of shockingnext
1
as in startling
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness we all clustered around to hear the shocking news of our colleague's sudden death

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2
as in terrifying
causing fear the shocking appearance of a shark just a few yards off shore

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3
as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment the shocking behavior of some rowdies at the dance

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4
as in gruesome
extremely disturbing or repellent a soldier who had witnessed the shocking sight of his best friend being killed

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shocking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of shock
1
as in appalling
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 surprising
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 frightening
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 shocking
Adjective
But in the case of a film about OpenAI, which remains such a black box to the public, that felt revelatory and shocking. — Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026 This past weekend, in a shocking show of force by the Indian government, thousands of anti-government protesters were arrested in New Delhi. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
George came back strong with his 1987 solo classic Faith, reborn as a black-leather stud, shocking the music industry that had always seen him as a disposable joke. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026 The nurturing Moon in your sign faces shocking Uranus in your 7th House of Partnership, so your needs and someone else’s ask for balance. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shocking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocking
  1. startling
  2. terrifying
  3. disgusting
  4. gruesome
  5. appalling
  6. surprising
  7. frightening
  8. amazing
Adjective
  • The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Holcomb combines a startling precociousness with a moxie that has already shattered expectations.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • While the numbers are startling, Ohtani's at-bats suggest something isn't right.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of startling
Adjective
  • Fifty years ago, scientists pioneering a terrifying gene-splicing technology figured out a way to collectively hit pause.
    — Nick Fountain, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Don’t worry, the breakdown starts in a hurry and Cardellini is terrifying, if perhaps not as sympathetic as the series requires long-term.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • That’s likely to inspire either affection or immediate exhaustion, depending on your fondness for the infamously disgusting performance group.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026
  • People tend to think of waste as trash, sewage, slag, manure and other seemingly useless or disgusting substances.
    — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of disgusting
Adjective
  • Among protesters, particularly gruesome wounds suffered by some teenagers have been blamed on police riot-control weapons.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Mars Attacks, released in 1962, was a huge hit with kids, though many parents objected to the gruesome artwork of Martians eviscerating Earthlings.
    — Bob Woods, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of gruesome
Verb
  • The young Forster recoiled from the school’s culture of authoritarianism and militaristic chauvinism, which may have found expression in the students’ often appalling attitudes toward their own mothers.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • Of all the recent poster boys for appalling misbehavior by the State Police, Michael Proctor would of course rank number one.
    — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
Definition of appalling
Verb
  • After years of buying and selling horses, Casse knows the business will keep surprising him.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Still, there are layers to how the 24-year-old has carried himself in the big leagues since surprising his way onto the Oilers roster.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of surprising
Verb
  • Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.
    — Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • That’s from interaction with amazing creatives, amazing writers who have different perspectives.
    — Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Everything about the show was amazing and just a joyous occasion and one that will go down in music history.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of amazing

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Cite this Entry

“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shocking. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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