shocking

adjective

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

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
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.
The couple’s happy news comes months after more shocking relationship reports. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024 During the Halloween Nightmares episode last week, there was a shocking elimination after a fan-favorite couple went home despite winning their dance-off and receiving a high score. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024 The shocking reveal led many people to declare the campaign lost for Trump as female voters withdrew even further from the polarizing candidate. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Nov. 2024 One shocking poll result came Saturday, when a Des Moines Register poll conducted by gold-standard Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer showed Harris leading in the Hawkeye State by 3 percentage points. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shocking 

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shocking was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near shocking

Cite this Entry

“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shocking. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

shocking

adjective
shock·​ing
: causing horror or disgust
a shocking crime
shocking behavior
shockingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on shocking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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