sickening

adjective

sick·​en·​ing ˈsi-kə-niŋ 

ˈsik-niŋ

: causing sickness or disgust

a sickening odor

a sickening display

sickeningly

ˈsi-kə-niŋ-lē 

ˈsik-niŋ-

adverb

Synonyms

• abhorrent
• abominable
• appalling
• awful
• disgusting
• distasteful
• dreadful
• evil
• foul
• fulsome
• gross
• hideous
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrid
• loathsome
• nasty
• nauseating
• nauseous
• noisome
• noxious
• obnoxious
• obscene
• odious
• offensive
• rancid
• repellent
• repellant
• repugnant
• repulsive
• revolting
• scandalous
• shocking
• ugly

Examples of sickening in a Sentence

a sickening display of selfishness

We heard the squeal of brakes and a sickening thud.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pray that the governor examine the emergency powers he’s so often abused, looking for leeway to protect workers striving, sickening and dying in blistering heat. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2024

While half of the flavors are fan-favorites and the other half sound sickening, all of the jelly beans are edible. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 9 July 2024

What was particularly sickening was that he was even allowed in the Capitol Building for Fauci’s hearing in the first place. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 June 2024

The world collapsed into a sickening, hyper-real haze. —Rachel Zimmerman, Washington Post, 30 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sickening

• be sickening for

Kids Definition

sickening

adjective

sick·​en·​ing

ˈsik-(ə-)niŋ

: causing sickness or disgust

a sickening sight

sickeningly adverb

Medical Definition

sickening

adjective

sick·​en·​ing ˈsik-(ə-)niŋ 

: causing sickness or nausea