sickening
adjective
sick·en·ing
ˈsi-kə-niŋ 
ˈsik-niŋ
: causing sickness or disgust
a sickening odor
a sickening display
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
When this sickening sensation happens, the nervous system releases a chemical messenger called substance P, which then binds to receptors in the brain that activate the vomiting reflex — specifically neurokinin-1, or NK-1, receptors.
—
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Jan. 2026
What unfolds is a violent chase full of sickening twists and life-or-death stakes.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025
These sickening events have become far too normal in our world.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2025
Earlier that day, a cousin and her friend had been out searching about half a mile from Makayla's house when they were stopped in their tracks by a strong, sickening odor.
—Liza Finley, CBS News, 16 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sickening
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.
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Jan. 2026
What unfolds is a violent chase full of sickening twists and life-or-death stakes.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025
These sickening events have become far too normal in our world.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2025
Earlier that day, a cousin and her friend had been out searching about half a mile from Makayla's house when they were stopped in their tracks by a strong, sickening odor.
—Liza Finley, CBS News, 16 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sickening
Cite this Entry
“Sickening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sickening. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
sickening
adjective
sick·en·ing
ˈsik-(ə-)niŋ
: causing sickness or nausea
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share