: extremely startling, distressing, or offensive
shocking news
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
The shocking incident triggered outrage among Haitians, aid workers and security experts who have been quietly warning of the dangers of the Haitian government using explosive drones to target leaders of criminal gangs.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
In shocking footage posted on Facebook, large waves are seen breaking through the glass doors of the lobby as water rushes in and quickly floods the hotel.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
The move isn't entirely shocking for modern Microsoft, which has been publishing previous Xbox exclusives on competing consoles in increasing numbers for a while now.
—Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
Jimmy Kimmel may be coming back to TV after his talk show's shocking suspension, but his return isn't being widely embraced.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shocking
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Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
In shocking footage posted on Facebook, large waves are seen breaking through the glass doors of the lobby as water rushes in and quickly floods the hotel.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
The move isn't entirely shocking for modern Microsoft, which has been publishing previous Xbox exclusives on competing consoles in increasing numbers for a while now.
—Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
Jimmy Kimmel may be coming back to TV after his talk show's shocking suspension, but his return isn't being widely embraced.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shocking. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shocking
adjective
shock·ing
: causing horror or disgust
a shocking crime
shocking behavior
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