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
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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
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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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shocking
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Loving County can be a shocking place to visit for an outsider, a vast terrain ravaged by elements and industry, a landscape and atmosphere somewhere between Mad Max and No Country for Old Men.
—Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
The chemistry between Johnson & Blunt is genuine & touching, elevating the drama w/ shocking emotional depth.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Adjective
The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of the most shocking trades in NBA history last season, acquiring superstar Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Loving County can be a shocking place to visit for an outsider, a vast terrain ravaged by elements and industry, a landscape and atmosphere somewhere between Mad Max and No Country for Old Men.
—Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
This could be the result of an unexpected revelation or a gossip-y friend spilling the tea, but shocking information is headed your way.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
The chemistry between Johnson & Blunt is genuine & touching, elevating the drama w/ shocking emotional depth.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocking
Adjective
-
The sequence of events is startling.—
David French,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The startling rise comes as concerned residents are preparing to cast their ballots in the city’s upcoming mayoral race.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The device sounded terrifying – an apparently new, nuclear capable IRBM, fired with multiple conventional warheads, that the Kremlin boasted could rip through European defenses.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
-
He’s supposed to be a terrifying mirror to our discontent.—
Emily Temple
September 30,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
To come in and have [designers] fight over my Polaroid would be so sickening, or even a judge on the show.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Man arrested for sickening act at Charlie Kirk memorial outside Turning Point HQ MAJOR HEADLINES PARTY POWERPLAY – Zohran Mamdani lands key endorsement in New York City mayoral race.—
,
FOXNews.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Gein committed many gruesome crimes, but cannibalism was not one of them.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
-
But one photo, far less gruesome, has been gnawing at me for weeks.—
Ruth Margalit,
New Yorker,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
After tense standoffs with Mallory (Crystle Stewart) and Horace's ex-wife, Olivia (Debbi Morgan), Kimmie enters the meeting and promptly takes it over, surprising the family with her mind for numbers.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
11 Sep. 2025
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Detroit rapper Kash Doll pulled out all the stops for her boyfriend, NFL star Za’Darius Smith’s 33rd birthday, surprising him with a custom ride that has fans talking.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
This has been my go-to spot for years, and the owners are amazing people.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Sep. 2025
-
That stuff is so random, and there’s so many amazing bands that no one ever listens to.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
While some corn mazes are perfect for all ages and include activities especially for younger kids, others are more grown-up and may prove too scary or challenging for little ones.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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The new generation can’t afford to stay in the game, which is scary.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shocking. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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