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 sickening
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
the shocking behavior of some rowdies at the dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025
Those sorts of moments are played for, number one, the story, but also, just to be shocking.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025
The legacy trade preference program lapsed Tuesday without a renewal from Congress, shocking some and disappointing many, including lawmakers, importers and the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) exporters and heads of state who have been lobbying with mounting fervor for an extension.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Adjective
On their bird-maxxing quest, the two cook endless beans and sleep in a shocking number of Cracker Barrel parking lots.
—Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025
Those sorts of moments are played for, number one, the story, but also, just to be shocking.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
After shocking the college football world last season with an upset win over Alabama, Vanderbilt Commodores star quarterback Diego Pavia will look to replicate this magic in their latest matchup with the Crimson Tide on Saturday.
—Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025
The legacy trade preference program lapsed Tuesday without a renewal from Congress, shocking some and disappointing many, including lawmakers, importers and the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) exporters and heads of state who have been lobbying with mounting fervor for an extension.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocking
Adjective
-
The Perfect Neighbor is among the most startling documentaries Netflix has released onto its platform in years.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Your fantasies are startling yet most opportune; your French landscape as much there as the handsome red cover itself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In the del Toro version, the creature played by Jacob Elordi is not terrifying, the director told Entertainment Weekly in September before the film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The line occurs when the film’s protagonist, Ripley (Weaver), emerges from an elevator in a giant metal bodysuit, ready to fight a terrifying alien to save a young child.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The injury was so sickening that the CBS broadcast only replayed it once, lest anyone with a weak stomach lose their lunch.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Just a sickening day for Jameson Williams’ managers.—
Michael Salfino,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Since then, there’s been little doubt about who police believe is responsible for the 12-year-old schoolgirl’s gruesome death.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Cultures around the world have ancient traditions of narrating events, sometimes gruesome, through song.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Kids will love sending this Dilophosaurus sauntering across the floor, frightening everything and everyone in his path.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
-
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
-
Dan Aykroyd's amazing cameo as the iconic Ray Stantz from Ghostbusters is a treat to watch.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
-
This isn’t the first time a homeowner has shared an amazing discovery during a renovation.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The truth can be far more haunting than any scary story.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The movie adaptation was terrifying, but the creepy atmospheric tension in the novel is even scarier.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shocking. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share