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 Delegates from the smaller states in particular were aghast at this latter proposal. — Jesse Wegman, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026 Anna, her hauteur hardening like a protective shell, is aghast. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 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 Fans are still aghast that Destiny 2 has reached the end of service, with the game not just wrapping up its content updates but also any level of support, with no more balance patches or even hotfixes to come, aside from one or two urgent ones. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 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
  • On the 14th floor, three of them broke into Ojeda’s apartment, handcuffed him in front of his terrified wife and son, and dragged him out, according to court documents and security video.
    — Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 10 July 2026
  • Outrage continues to grow after a drone was reported stalking a terrified wild mustang on North Carolina’s northern Outer Banks.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
Definition of terrified
Adjective
  • The bear, seemingly frightened, quickly turns away from the boy and continues running, sliding under a boat parked in the driveway.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • In May, a frightened horse rammed into another carriage, causing the vehicle to flip over, injuring the driver.
    — ANDREA SACHS THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 28 June 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • Sometimes in big matches, being afraid of taking a risk is the riskiest strategy of all.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Pay attention to the wash and cut, and don’t be afraid to ditch your plain blue jeans for bolder alternatives.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 15 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
  • The Cubs haven’t been scared of taking pitchers who have had that procedure in their history or even missing some of their draft year because of it.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
  • This result, though—an impotent, scared team that is clearly not ready for the moment—feels like two steps forward and one very large step back.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 8 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
  • Elsewhere alarmed Palestinian farmers—witnessing the growing trench tearing them away from their lands—surround the vehicles.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
  • But city officials don’t seem alarmed, saying that the project’s size was bound to change, and that the project is still aligned with the city code.
    — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Definition of alarmed

Browse Nearby Words

aggros
aghast
agile
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“Aghast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aghast. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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