shocking

adjective

shock·​ing ˈshä-kiŋ How to pronounce shocking (audio)
: extremely startling, distressing, or offensive
shocking news
shockingly adverb

Examples of shocking in a Sentence

The number of young teenagers who smoke is shocking. a shocking waste of money The building is in a shocking state.
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.
Bonnie came to her father's defense in May 2020 after Chapman shared the shocking news of his engagement to girlfriend Francie just 10 months after Beth’s death. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 July 2025 This shocking breach transformed a beloved feed into a source of confusion and pain. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025 Little did people at the premiere know that Gellar was in the film, too, and Prinze's character's storyline was about to take a shocking turn. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025 Watch as sharks tear into his prosthetic limbs, squirm amid some gripping close calls, and allow the very macho commentary to wash over you and grimace (or giggle) at a shocking amount of fake blood. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shocking

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shocking was in 1653

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shocking. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

shocking

adjective
shock·​ing
: causing horror or disgust
a shocking crime
shocking behavior
shockingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on shocking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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