sickening

adjective

sick·​en·​ing ˈsi-kə-niŋ 

ˈsik-niŋ

: causing sickness or disgust

a sickening odor

a sickening display

sickeningly

ˈsi-kə-niŋ-lē 

ˈsik-niŋ-

adverb

Synonyms

• abhorrent
• abominable
• appalling
• awful
• disgusting
• distasteful
• dreadful
• evil
• foul
• fulsome
• gross
• hideous
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrid
• loathsome
• nasty
• nauseating
• nauseous
• noisome
• noxious
• obnoxious
• obscene
• odious
• offensive
• rancid
• repellent
• repellant
• repugnant
• repulsive
• revolting
• scandalous
• shocking
• ugly

Examples of sickening in a Sentence

a sickening display of selfishness

We heard the squeal of brakes and a sickening thud.

Recent Examples on the Web

Maggie, known for her calm and fearlessness, begins to unravel, and when one person finds themselves beyond the blue line, the grisly gore revealed is one of the most sickening things shown on television recently. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Oct. 2024

But what Barfoot is willing to show of the sickening shapeshifter that may or may not be living in the vents and lurking around James’ backyard grave is appetizing and, in select scenes, even delicious. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2024

In recent decades, the accumulation of plastic waste has overwhelmed waterways and oceans, sickening marine life and threatening human health. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024

New loan terms are 'sickening' Car sales boost the economy, helping employ more than 4 million, from union line workers to car salespeople and parts-repair store workers. —Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 21 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sickening

• be sickening for

Kids Definition

sickening

adjective

sick·​en·​ing

ˈsik-(ə-)niŋ

: causing sickness or disgust

a sickening sight

sickeningly adverb

Medical Definition

sickening

adjective

sick·​en·​ing ˈsik-(ə-)niŋ 

: causing sickness or nausea