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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in terrifying
causing fear
the shocking appearance of a shark just a few yards off shore
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
the shocking behavior of some rowdies at the dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in gruesome
extremely disturbing or repellent
a soldier who had witnessed the shocking sight of his best friend being killed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in frightening
to strike with fear
the sudden appearance of the ghost shocked us to the core
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shocking
ABC News,
26 June 2026
That the galleries at TPC River Highlands were five-deep early in Scottie Scheffler’s second round of the Travelers Championship on Friday isn’t exactly shocking.
—
Nick Pietruszkiewicz,
Hartford Courant,
26 June 2026
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Self-expression wants center stage as free-loving Venus moves through your sign, forming a supportive sextile to shocking Uranus in your 11th House of Friends and Community now.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Adjective
Spain, seeking its second World Cup title, opened with a shocking 0-0 draw against Cape Verde but was coming off a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
—
ABC News,
26 June 2026
That the galleries at TPC River Highlands were five-deep early in Scottie Scheffler’s second round of the Travelers Championship on Friday isn’t exactly shocking.
—
Nick Pietruszkiewicz,
Hartford Courant,
26 June 2026
Verb
This sweeping novel opens in nineteen-sixties Calcutta, when a three-year-old girl demands to eat fish, shocking her family of Jains.
—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Self-expression wants center stage as free-loving Venus moves through your sign, forming a supportive sextile to shocking Uranus in your 11th House of Friends and Community now.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocking
Adjective
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The visitor—who understands English but can’t speak—gradually learns to fit in while deploying his few but startling paranormal abilities.
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In a 2010 study, scientists cooked meatloaf and found that startling quantities of silicone migrated into the food.
Adjective
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The full extent of the casualties and damage may not be clear for many hours, but reports and videos show extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure across the country as residents face a terrifying night in the streets.
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Then the assailant turns to face the camera; but inside a hoodie, the face is no face, just a terrifying horror movie mask.
Adjective
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French broadcaster French Pierron was under fire for calling childbirth 'a disgusting moment.
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How to make the moment scary but watchable, disgusting but entrancing?
Adjective
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The men escape, but their frantic exit leads them through the gruesome Terminus food-supply dungeon, where fresh corpses hang on meathooks.
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With two gruesome losses, meanwhile, Tunisia — Netherlands’ foe Thursday at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium — has been eliminated already and cannot advance to the knockout round, no matter the outcome in KC.
Verb
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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.
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Of all the recent poster boys for appalling misbehavior by the State Police, Michael Proctor would of course rank number one.
Verb
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Druski's already kicked off his hosting duties in a big way, sharing the news of his hosting with A-listers like Cardi B and Jamie Foxx by surprising them with gospel choirs, mariachi bands and even on horseback.
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Coastal Mississippi is constantly surprising us, but one of its most delightful surprises is the fact that some of its beaches have white sand that rivals even Florida’s top spots.
Verb
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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.
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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.
Adjective
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And the locations are amazing — the shootout occurs at the fort of Sant’Andrea that nobody really knows anything about in Venice.
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Lego is amazing, and Lego Star Wars in particular.
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shocking. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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