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
Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Feb. 2026
And neither of these shocking statistics includes those debts of necessity that wind up on credit cards with sky-high interest rates, often during the worst times of peoples’ lives.
—Allison Sesso, STAT, 20 Feb. 2026
Keith Law, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
From shocking district alignments to puzzling travel debacles, many coaches were left shaking their heads in disbelief.
—Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Adjective
Conan O'Brien is breaking his silence on the shocking killings of his friends Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found stabbed to death the day after attending the comedian's holiday party in December.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Feb. 2026
And neither of these shocking statistics includes those debts of necessity that wind up on credit cards with sky-high interest rates, often during the worst times of peoples’ lives.
—Allison Sesso, STAT, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
Others of note Left-hander Cooper Hjerpe had Tommy John surgery last spring and won’t return until some time this summer, a disappointing but hardly shocking development given his IL stints for elbow pain in 2023 and 2024.
—Keith Law, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
From shocking district alignments to puzzling travel debacles, many coaches were left shaking their heads in disbelief.
—Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocking
Adjective
-
In especially sunny or windy places, just how much state power comes from renewable sources can be startling.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Three bears at Northstar California Resort in Truckee ran beneath a ski lift and across a slope, startling skiers and riders making their way down the run.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Brandon Flynn Nothing is more terrifying than a late-night host desperate to boost ratings.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The former Clemson star has discovered a fondness for poa annua, the strain of grass that get bumpy with spikes and footprints and late afternoon growth, and can be downright terrifying on short par putts when the greens are this fast.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Just last week the president tweeted a vile and disgusting image of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and refuses to apologize.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
-
So the disgusting attempt to rewrite history – won’t help.—
Grace Gilson,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And Margot Robbie gives the character a sharpness, an agency that’s a relief from the wilting Catherines of yore — which actually makes her ultimate gruesome fate feel that much more tragic.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Prisoners endured frequent selections, some by Nazi doctor Josef Mengele, known for his gruesome experiments on camp inmates.—
Lesley Stahl,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Truly appalling friend counsel here from Mindy.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Black also said Carr has emerged as a leader during her junior season — surprising him.—
Ray Padilla,
Louisville Courier Journal,
5 Feb. 2026
-
After surprising her mother, Madison continued to try on wedding dresses and eventually found the one.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
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But monks there complained that the slain king was walking around at night, frightening them with strange sounds.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Great Britain had to win to stay alive for the medal round, and won on an amazing throw by skip Rebecca Morrison, who banked her stone off a wide blocking stone and spun it right.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
-
So many comedians would have been amazing hosting that show.—
Alex Morris,
Rolling Stone,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shocking. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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