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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.

“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

The judge added the video recorded by Marl-Brock was a "truly shocking piece of evidence".

From BBC • 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

She downs her glass of orange wine, leans forward and confesses to something truly shocking.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

My grandparents seem to understand the rules of football pretty well, which is shocking.

From "Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun" by Hena Khan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.