SICKENING Synonyms: 163 Similar and Opposite Words

sickening 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsi-kə-niŋ

Definition of sickening

as in disgusting

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment a sickening display of emotion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sickening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of sicken

as in appalling

to cause to feel disgust sickened by the awful sight of the polluted river

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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 sickening

Adjective

As health officials pointed to a Mexican processing plant run by Taylor Farms as the source of a parasite sickening Americans, the giant produce company rushed to defend itself. — Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 That’s why Law is a celebrity stylist; Law is known for curating sickening looks for his celebrity clients, but maybe sort of skimping out on himself, unfortunately. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026

Verb

But a few weeks into his vacation across the Atlantic Ocean, the Oregon doctor jumped into action caring for passengers after a deadly hantavirus outbreak began spreading through the ship, sickening the vessel’s doctor. — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 8 May 2026 Sugar water can spoil, sickening the little birds. — Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sickening

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sickening

Adjective

The better to act out empire’s idea of what disgusting demonic sickness looks like.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
These guys are disgusting over the radio in the heat of battle.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of disgusting

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

Adjective

Much has been written about the power of artificial intelligence to improve life in myriad ways, but also about its truly horrible effects—now and going forward—if it isn’t managed properly.

— Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
But the horrible scenes that unfolded before him were incomparable.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of horrible

Adjective

His naked illusion dresses — the first worn by actress Mitzi Gaynor for a 1969 television special — was at first shocking but became liquid gold for Mackie, solidifying his legacy as a costume and fashion designer.

— Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
While Week 2 of the college football season was filled with drama, the typical chaos, and the game of the year with Texas-Ohio State, the most shocking result of the weekend was Oklahoma State's upset win over the Oregon Ducks.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of shocking

Adjective

Not many filmmakers can create something where moments as ugly as Billy’s scatological lectures coexist so elegantly with moments of honest longing and tragedy (and, in one or two moments, tentative hope).

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
The hate being lobbed at Sheeran is also an unpleasant reminder of the extreme and ugly bullying tactics of the online left.

— Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026