shocking

1 of 2

adjective

shock·​ing ˈshä-kiŋ How to pronounce shocking (audio)
Synonyms of shockingnext
: extremely startling, distressing, or offensive
shocking news
shockingly
ˈshä-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce shocking (audio)
adverb

shocking

2 of 2

present participle of shock entry 2, shock entry 6

Synonyms of shocking

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Adjective

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Examples of shocking in a Sentence

Adjective The number of young teenagers who smoke is shocking. a shocking waste of money The building is in a shocking state.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
There are a couple of shocking narrative twists at the end, with Alice potentially unleashing her wrath, and the revelation of Catherine’s role in Isabel’s death. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026 At the arraignment, Burke's lawyers withdrew in a shocking move, leaving him with a public defender. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 In front of adoring fans in Shanghai, the UFC veteran and perennial contender in the UFC bantamweight division scored a shocking upset win over Umar Nurmagomedov in the main event on Saturday. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The August nonfarm payrolls report that releases Friday will be coming off a low set of expectations, given the shocking loss of jobs in July. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shocking

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shocking was in 1653

Phrases Containing shocking

Rhymes for shocking

See All Rhymes for shocking

Browse Nearby Words

shock horror
shocking
shockingly
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Cite this Entry

“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shocking. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shocking

adjective
shock·​ing
: causing horror or disgust
a shocking crime
shocking behavior
shockingly
-iŋ-lē How to pronounce shocking (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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