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
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
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Recent Examples of shocking
Kristine Sorensen, CBS News, 22 May 2026
What the transcripts revealed was shocking, Perry said.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
Karla Cote, Variety, 15 May 2026
The motive for the killing was unclear, but there was speculation that Escobar was targeted because of the own goal and Colombia’s shocking World Cup exit.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Adjective
Art can be inspiring, educational, beautiful, shocking, confusing, and so many more things, but if art is also intimidating, Bishop-Root suggests letting your kids be the guide.
—Kristine Sorensen, CBS News, 22 May 2026
What the transcripts revealed was shocking, Perry said.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
Verb
Los Angeles Chargers As reigning champs of the schedule release, the Chargers are behind arguably the strongest video of the year, shocking no one.
—Karla Cote, Variety, 15 May 2026
The motive for the killing was unclear, but there was speculation that Escobar was targeted because of the own goal and Colombia’s shocking World Cup exit.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocking
Adjective
-
The congressman returned home last Fourth of July to startling stories in Southern California as immigration patrols swept through communities and one constituent told him about starting to carry a passport as proof of the right to be in the country.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 May 2026
-
In the middle of Thursday’s numerous Giants developments, from concerning player injuries to a startling contract extension for underperforming GM Joe Schoen, the only thing that truly mattered was happening on the field.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
For Orlo Vista residents, the disaster unfolded with terrifying speed.—
Greg Bennett,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
Nicholls opened Rockwater not long after Cyclone Pam, a terrifying storm that churned through Vanuatu and inflicted $600 million in damage.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Adjective
-
Both are also, objectively speaking, disgusting.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
22 May 2026
-
What could be more cunning and disgusting than training dogs to commit anal rape?—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2026
Adjective
-
The teens recorded their attack Monday and the gruesome 10 minute video was widely shared to a website where people post videos depicting extreme violence.—
Anna Schecter,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
-
Similarly economical and granularly detailed is a 20-minute sequence in the middle of the film that’s gruesome, comical and crucial to the propulsion of the story.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
19 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
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
But Bodo/Glimt knocking out last season’s finalists Inter was amazing too.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
Laura Dern looks amazing in marabou feathers, Marissa Long stuns in sequins, and Chris Messina is also there.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shocking. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
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