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
Almost a decade after his shocking suicide by hanging, Bourdain remains an iconic figure as both celebrity chef and accidental anthropologist. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026 The diary and related documents give us a shocking picture of Big Players plowing under truth to seek and serve their own political interests. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Verb
That’s shocking coming from someone who just wrapped up the highest-grossing solo rap tour of all time, with raging crowds in the tens of thousands. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 22 July 2026 China called the tests shocking and accused India of threatening regional peace. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 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
  • On Our Radar -Forbes billionaire and U30 alum Palmer Luckey is reportedly seeking to raise a fresh round of funding for his defense startup Anduril, which could value the company at a startling $100 billion.
    — Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • That leaves a startling number of people outside the screening system.
    — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 31 July 2026
Definition of startling
Adjective
  • Pinnock, in particular, is at his best here, showcasing a diabolical cruelty and terrifying manipulation, elevating the story and the show to a different level.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • Here's a selection of spectacular photos of the July Buck Moon 2026 captured alongside gorgeous natural landscapes, terrifying wildfires and stunning cityscapes from around the world.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • The left's most hated author — JK Rowling — has dropped the hammer on the disgusting things that took place at the Indiana Fever-Seattle Storm game earlier this week.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
  • Or when some man behaving like a degenerate gambler plods into Chelsea Gray’s DMs with a disgusting slur.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of disgusting
Adjective
  • Burke was not merely a rising star grappling with new fame, prosecutors contend, but a killer carrying a gruesome secret.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The massacre left the community reeling from the losses and the gruesome nature of the victims’ deaths.
    — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 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
  • She was definitely received like a rock star surprising their fans.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026
  • 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
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
  • The sense of antiquity is preserved (stone staircases worn smooth by the centuries, wooden shutters in the bedrooms), but there’s no shortage of modern amenities, from the amazing Duxiana beds to bathrooms with rain showers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But there’s so many amazing female filmmakers out there as well, who are making really cool films and doing amazing work.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of shocking for Spanish Speakers

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