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 His siblings were aghast to see [their father] Ralph depicted as the hapless poor dad in the book. — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026 Still, individuals Variety spoke with at competing studios — especially in business affairs, the less glamorous but vital department that closes contracts — were aghast. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 Columns of black smoke rise from targets, often filmed by aghast Russians. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026 Classical studies majors will surely be aghast at how the likes of Zeus and Poseidon are sublimated into social mores and choppy waves (just as Zendaya fans might rage at how her disapproving Athena only cameos as Odysseus’ invisible friend). — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 July 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
  • Synagogues canceled Sabbath prayers, while terrified Jewish citizens were warned to conceal skullcaps and flee home.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Word spread across the city that the Taliban had kill lists of Afghan women activists, and hundreds of terrified women went into hiding.
    — Azadeh Moaveni, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of terrified
Adjective
  • Discovering that your identity has been stolen can leave you feeling angry, frightened and unsure where to begin.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In one video, a young orangutan can be seen crouching in the corner of a small, dark crate, its frightened eyes wide open.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • For trick-or-treating, the department warned that small children may be afraid of dogs, while dogs themselves may be afraid of all the commotion with gaggles of kids coming to the door.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Students reported feeling threatened or afraid to be on campus.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of afraid
Adjective
  • Gomez, 67, recalled, watching as responding officers pulled a horrified boy from the car.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Greg O'Neill, 63, was swimming at Sorrento Beach in the northern suburbs of Perth in Western Australia on Friday when the attack happened in front of horrified beachgoers.
    — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of horrified
Adjective
  • The Democratic nominee against Knott hopes for an upset in a year when even Republican members in safe seats like the 13th District are running scared.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Everyone is scared to testify against Szabo, so his legal case is dismissed.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of scared
Adjective
  • Many attendees in the chambers appeared shocked and confused at the proposal for the new ordinance.
    — Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The first thing a newborn baby touches upon entering the world is cloth—a towel or blanket wrapped around its shocked little body.
    — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of shocked
Adjective
  • Some of the world’s leading financiers are sounding increasingly alarmed about an AI bubble.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • People who have a very high panic threshold nonetheless feel very alarmed by what’s happened.
    — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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