aghast

adjective

ə-ˈgast How to pronounce aghast (audio)
Definition of aghastnext
as in terrified
filled with fear or dread I stood there, aghast, as the vile monster made its way toward me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of aghast Social media videos show drivers aghast at the lines or swearing at empty gas pumps and rising prices. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 When the Boulder County commissioners initiated a study to determine whether mountain bikes should be prohibited on select days and specific trails at two open space parks, the county’s legion of trailriders was aghast. — John Meyer, Denver Post, 29 June 2026 Delegates from the smaller states in particular were aghast at this latter proposal. — Jesse Wegman, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026 Some hawkish Republicans are aghast that Trump is getting behind a settlement that could put billions of dollars into Iran’s coffers. — Jamey Keaten, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for aghast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aghast
  1. terrified
  2. frightened
  3. afraid
  4. horrified
  5. scared
  6. shocked
  7. alarmed
Adjective
  • The child runs back inside the bodega seeking safety before collapsing near the front counter as terrified customers scramble for cover.
    — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026
  • Appropriately terrified, Russ jumps backward, shattering the window.
    — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
Definition of terrified
Adjective
  • Witnesses are often too frightened of the cartels to testify in court.
    — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • When Odysseus’ men arrive at Circe’s home, hungry, asking to be fed, Circe seems frightened — understandably so.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • The kind who drive across town for the right crust and aren't afraid to wait for it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Don’t be afraid to volunteer for a responsibility that scares you a little.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Definition of afraid
Adjective
  • In one early scene, a horrified Pam stares into her bathroom mirror, covered head to toe in blood.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026
  • The first police officer on the scene quickly ran back to the station for help, while neighbors calmed the horrified Lizzie.
    — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 June 2026
Definition of horrified
Adjective
  • Well, Martha, look, Republicans, my party, has got to be scared, and especially some very good members of Congress who otherwise might deserve re-election are weighed down by the following.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • Instead, too many are running scared and pleading for protection.
    — Craig Garthwaite, Fortune, 24 July 2026
Definition of scared
Adjective
  • The first season ended with a big cliffhanger, in which Cooper emerged from a cocoon after a transformation to a shocked reaction though his appearance was not revealed.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 July 2026
  • In Atlanta last week, Mohamed Salah and his Egypt team-mates walked out of the stadium in shocked silence.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of shocked
Adjective
  • Toczylowski said termination of a program that serves one of the most vulnerable immigrant populations should be viewed as an attack on children and Americans should be alarmed.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • Multiple layers of protection — starting with four-sided isolation fencing, alarmed doors and windows leading to pool areas, and removing toys after swim time — can help prevent these tragedies.
    — Karen Cohn, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026
Definition of alarmed

Browse Nearby Words

aggros
aghast
agile
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Cite this Entry

“Aghast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aghast. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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