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.

"The fact that nobody had noticed he was missing for two weeks. It was shocking, we couldn't believe it was happening."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

It was a shocking attack on European democracies.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026

That made the game’s outcome, a 62-48 South Carolina blowout win, pretty shocking.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Some of the revelations in the reports are shocking even to the jaded.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Her voice is so serious that, for a second, I think she’s going to confess something truly shocking.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison