as in terrified
filled with fear or dread
I stood there, aghast, as the vile monster made its way toward me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Frantically running around with a stick vacuum and your all-purpose cleaner to ensure your crew isn’t aghast at the state of your home is completely unnecessary prep-work for you.
—
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
Though the origins of the pictures weren’t quite clear at first, Gucci soon added a tag to the posts indicating that they had been generated using artificial intelligence – a bold choice when the use of the technology remains contentious, and one that left many commenters aghast.
—Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
Teddy declares, simultaneously aghast and titillated.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
When ChatGPT exploded onto the scene in late 2022, policymakers in Beijing were aghast.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aghast
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
Though the origins of the pictures weren’t quite clear at first, Gucci soon added a tag to the posts indicating that they had been generated using artificial intelligence – a bold choice when the use of the technology remains contentious, and one that left many commenters aghast.
—Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
Teddy declares, simultaneously aghast and titillated.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
When ChatGPT exploded onto the scene in late 2022, policymakers in Beijing were aghast.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aghast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aghast
Adjective
-
Recently, Kristen chased a terrified family with young children up a nearby stairway.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
But since the arrival of the feds, families had grown too terrified to leave home.—
Daniel Brook,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Chesney became frightened, scaled the enclosure wall and hopped over the fence.—
Hannah Kirby,
jsonline.com,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Scared and frightened, the only way to relieve the pain is to sell.—
,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Neither is too afraid of what the USMNT has in store for them, either.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Fairey was forthcoming about his opinions on art, politics and technology, drawing applause at one point for saying that using AI in art is not something to be afraid of.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This little bird was a horrified little lump that just kept falling over his feet.—
Emma Forgione,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The horrified fisherman ran out to the street to hail the Mascotte police chief, who was directing traffic in front of a nearby elementary school.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Employees felt unsafe coming to work; customers were scared to leave their homes.—
David Farley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Hearts have melted online after a scared rescue dog bravely faced her fear in order to join her owner, with many viewers praising her unquestionable courage and determination.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Cain seems genuinely shocked by this.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Lexi, who appears to be an assistant, is shocked.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
President Bush, alarmed, directed the National Security Council to prevent Iran from acquiring one.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The historic plane didn't make move to the new terminal, and aviation enthusiasts expressed alarmed there was no plan to find her a new home.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aghast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aghast. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
