: extremely startling, distressing, or offensive
shocking news
Synonyms
Examples of shocking in a Sentence
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
SpaceX plans to launch a second mission this evening, which wouldn't be shocking — the company has sent two rockets up just hours apart before.
—
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2025
The shocking moment quickly made headlines when Censori, who arrived in a large fur coat, undressed on the spot and posed for the cameras in a completely sheer dress without a bra or underwear underneath.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
The trade, though, was shocking even with Lakers star Anthony Davis being involved in the package because of Luka’s young age, coupled with his accomplishments, including leading a Mavericks team to the NBA Finals last season.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025
Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison was quickly put on the defensive Sunday while discussing his shocking decision to move on from five-time All-NBA First Team superstar ex-Dallas guard Luka Doncic this weekend.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for shocking 
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Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2025
The shocking moment quickly made headlines when Censori, who arrived in a large fur coat, undressed on the spot and posed for the cameras in a completely sheer dress without a bra or underwear underneath.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
The trade, though, was shocking even with Lakers star Anthony Davis being involved in the package because of Luka’s young age, coupled with his accomplishments, including leading a Mavericks team to the NBA Finals last season.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025
Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison was quickly put on the defensive Sunday while discussing his shocking decision to move on from five-time All-NBA First Team superstar ex-Dallas guard Luka Doncic this weekend.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for shocking
Dictionary Entries Near shocking
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shocking. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shocking
adjective
shock·ing
: causing horror or disgust
a shocking crime
shocking behavior
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