shocking 1 of 2

adjective

ˈshä-kiŋ How to pronounce shocking (audio)
Definition of shockingnext
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

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2
as in terrifying
causing fear the shocking appearance of a shark just a few yards off shore

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3
as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment the shocking behavior of some rowdies at the dance

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4
as in gruesome
extremely disturbing or repellent a soldier who had witnessed the shocking sight of his best friend being killed

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shocking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of shock
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

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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

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3
as in frightening
to strike with fear the sudden appearance of the ghost shocked us to the core

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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 shocking
Adjective
Honesty is necessary, but using shocking information as leverage will only intensify the issue. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Cape Verde began this run by making a statement, producing a shocking 0-0 draw against soccer powerhouse Spain on June 15 in its first-ever World Cup match. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Verb
Costa Rica defied all logic, beating Uruguay 3–1 and shocking Italy 1–0. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026 Self-expression wants center stage as free-loving Venus moves through your sign, forming a supportive sextile to shocking Uranus in your 11th House of Friends and Community now. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shocking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocking
  1. startling
  2. terrifying
  3. disgusting
  4. gruesome
  5. appalling
  6. surprising
  7. frightening
  8. amazing
Adjective
  • The practical effect, according to Fred Vogler, who has been the Bowl’s principal sound designer since 2003, is startling.
    — Dave Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Oddly drawn to disconnect, horror fans crave novel experiences that feel both startling and strangely familiar.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026
Definition of startling
Adjective
  • That year, the Potomac River turned violent, as intense, heavy rains pushed the water to a terrifying, near-record flood level of 60,000 cubic feet per second.
    — Jasmine Baehr , Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Just like waiting for the release of the bull, the ride vehicle will pause for three seconds before a terrifying 285-foot drop.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • Noah Kahan is speaking out about a disgusting habit picked up by some music fans.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • French broadcaster French Pierron was under fire for calling childbirth 'a disgusting moment.
    — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
Definition of disgusting
Adjective
  • The more time passes, the more gruesome the recovery process becomes, said William Gomez, a firefighter in La Guaira.
    — Fernanda Pesce, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Family and loved ones are remembering Brittany Clark, the former Sacramento resident and Kennedy High School student killed by an alligator in a Florida river, as officials there released new details of the gruesome attack.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of gruesome
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
Definition of appalling
Verb
  • Druski's already kicked off his hosting duties in a big way, sharing the news of his hosting with A-listers like Cardi B and Jamie Foxx by surprising them with gospel choirs, mariachi bands and even on horseback.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
  • Coastal Mississippi is constantly surprising us, but one of its most delightful surprises is the fact that some of its beaches have white sand that rivals even Florida’s top spots.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 June 2026
Definition of surprising
Verb
  • Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.
    — Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • So learn to love it and use it to help people to see the constraint as something amazing and beneficial like free filtering, a gift of what not to do, or even a head start, not a smaller box to play in.
    — Nir Bashan, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Networking is an amazing way to connect you with people in your professional field and to give you insight into your career trajectory, Libra.
    — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of amazing

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Cite this Entry

“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shocking. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of shocking for Spanish Speakers

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