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
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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
Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
Why seniors won't be happy Higher grocery prices, health care costs and some shocking bills for many services put pressure on everyone's budget — but especially those with limited incomes and savings.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
This interview also comes just weeks after her shocking Dancing With the Stars elimination.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Adjective
These figures, while shocking, unfortunately pale in comparison to those from the recent war, now widely recognized as a genocide.
—Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
Why seniors won't be happy Higher grocery prices, health care costs and some shocking bills for many services put pressure on everyone's budget — but especially those with limited incomes and savings.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
Teams like the Indianapolis Colts (6-1) are shocking everyone by tearing up the AFC.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
This interview also comes just weeks after her shocking Dancing With the Stars elimination.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocking
Adjective
-
The most startling feature is a double-height lounge with a view up to display cases on the second floor.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Crime and shootings were rising at startling levels.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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But a computer sensor wasn’t needed to confirm his terrifying speed.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
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Desperate to prove his mettle, Dek seeks out a terrifying creature of Yautja lore, determined to be the first of his kind to slay it.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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That would probably be the most disgusting kind.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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Continue reading … 'DISGUSTING' – Jen Psaki jokes Usha Vance scared of her husband, ripped for 'disgusting' comments.—
,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Halloween was significantly more graphic than many of its predecessors, and Zombie said the gruesome violence was a deliberate choice and that it wasn’t supposed to be easy viewing.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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The five-minute mash-up rapidly intercuts scenes of happy domesticity (a loving mother, kids in face paint eating popcorn in front of the tube, teens affectionately goofing around) with gruesome murders committed by a beautiful little boy.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Going Solo, surprising his daughters and fans Of course, the girls are the Jonas Brothers and Kevin’s biggest fans.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Fallon ended the chat by surprising the trio with the presentation of the platinum plaque for the movie’s soundtrack.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Kids will love sending this Dilophosaurus sauntering across the floor, frightening everything and everyone in his path.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
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Instances of swatting have been plaguing the nation for years, with fake shooting threats frightening the public and forcing schools, hospitals, grocery stores, office buildings, and airports into temporary lockdowns.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Working with the uniquely gifted Erin Foster, this unbelievable cast of talented, hilarious pros, amazing writers and incredible crew has been a truly great experience.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
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Working with the uniquely gifted Erin Foster, this unbelievable cast of talented, hilarious pros, amazing writers, and incredible crew has been a truly great experience.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Fascinating albeit kinda scary to watch though.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Kim also recalled her mother allegedly threatening her father’s life, and on one scary occasion, Betty drove her car into the new home Dan shared with their children.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shocking. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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