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
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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
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026
But the film’s ending provides a shocking revelation that changes both of their lives forever.
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
In April 2022, Vicky announced her retirement with just one day's notice, shocking the entire staff.
—Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Adjective
And then the way that the system treated these women was shocking for me.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026
But the film’s ending provides a shocking revelation that changes both of their lives forever.
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
Verb
An odd pattern has also emerged over the last decade, of shocking personnel moves coinciding with the Yankees coming to Fenway.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
In April 2022, Vicky announced her retirement with just one day's notice, shocking the entire staff.
—Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocking
Adjective
-
More startling, though, was his passing.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
-
The startling scale of detentions made Israel the third-worst jailer of journalists for 2025, behind only China and Myanmar, according to CPJ.—
Jeremy Diamond,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
For most people, the idea of ceding control to a robot is out there at best; downright terrifying at worst.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 May 2026
-
One of those terrifying moments happened on a public stairwell.—
Lexi Lane,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
This administration has unleashed a disgusting anti-immigrant agenda.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
Let women be monstrous, disgusting, angry, feral creatures!—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
But some of our most gruesome memories as a band are also our favorites.—
Katie Gavin,
Time,
8 May 2026
-
The truth the jury learned was far more gruesome.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
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.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
-
Of all the recent poster boys for appalling misbehavior by the State Police, Michael Proctor would of course rank number one.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Delano and Sybil were on hand to celebrate Melvin's first day, surprising him on set.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The Bears ran the third-most plays last season with multiple tight ends on the field with 501 after surprising some experts by drafting Colston Loveland 10th overall last year to team with Cole Kmet.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Clumsiness notwithstanding, bringing a criminal case against a journalist who was reporting on a protest is an authoritarian tactic—a means of frightening the press away from uncovering the truth.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
-
But monks there complained that the slain king was walking around at night, frightening them with strange sounds.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This blend is absolutely amazing.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
13 May 2026
-
These next-gen helicopters are going to be amazing.—
Omar Kardoudi
May 13,
New Atlas,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shocking. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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