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Definitions

shocking

[shok-ing] / ˈʃɒk ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
outrageous; very surprising
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appalling awful disgraceful disgusting disquieting distressing dreadful ghastly heinous horrible horrific horrifying shameful terrible ugly
STRONG
burning crying foul glaring nauseating revolting sickening stupefying
WEAK
abominable atrocious desperate detestable direful fearful formidable frightful hateful hideous loathsome monstrous odious offensive repulsive scandalous unspeakable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
attractive comforting good lovely nice pleasant pleasing respectable wonderful
STRONG
delightful
WEAK
calming soothing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was a shocking end to the season for the Gamecocks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

“They can see the leaves on the trees and the math on the board, and it’s shocking to them.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

For the Federal Reserve, the latest data offer some breathing room: It provides evidence that the labor market isn’t collapsing after February’s shocking decline of 133,000 jobs.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Sinn Féin assembly member John O'Dowd said it was a "shocking" incident, particularly for the delivery driver.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

It may be, too, that he wanted to show in the most startling and shocking way possible how easy it was to deceive the awful, venerated, humbly adored divinities.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton