: extremely startling, distressing, or offensive
shocking news
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
And the days after their split was announced were filled with one shocking fact after another, from Orlando Bloom attending the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez solo to Katy Perry going out on a date with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
—
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Sep. 2025
The twist sets off a series of sinister and shocking events, escalating the feud between the women, with Daniel caught in the middle of their horrifying escapades.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Here’s a look at why Laura didn’t trust Cherry from the get-go and the show’s shocking ending.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
The Chicago Bears suffered a shocking Week 1 loss, blowing a 17-6 fourth quarter lead at home against the division rival Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shocking
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Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Sep. 2025
The twist sets off a series of sinister and shocking events, escalating the feud between the women, with Daniel caught in the middle of their horrifying escapades.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Here’s a look at why Laura didn’t trust Cherry from the get-go and the show’s shocking ending.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
The Chicago Bears suffered a shocking Week 1 loss, blowing a 17-6 fourth quarter lead at home against the division rival Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shocking. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shocking
adjective
shock·ing
: causing horror or disgust
a shocking crime
shocking behavior
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