Shocking and Terrifying

Shocking

Shocking adjective - Causing fear.
Usage example: the shocking appearance of a shark just a few yards off shore

Terrifying is a synonym for shocking. In some cases you can use "Terrifying" instead an adjective "Shocking".

Nearby Words: shock, shocked, shockingly, shocker

Terrifying

Terrifying adjective - Causing fear.
Usage example: heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room

Shocking is a synonym for terrifying. You can use "Shocking" instead an adjective "Terrifying".

Nearby Words: terrify, terrified

Both words in one sentence

  • Video Game / CarnEvil In a matter of terrifying seconds, a haunted carnival indeed appears—erupting out of the ground with shocking speed, trapping the protagonist (and, presumably, the rest of the tour) inside.
  • The revelation at the end that Mitsuhiko's father is Anokata may or may not be shocking, depending on how observant you are, but it is extremely terrifying.
Cite this Source
Terrifying and Shocking. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/shocking/terrifying
Shocking & Terrifying. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/shocking/terrifying>.
Terrifying or Shocking. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/shocking/terrifying.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "shocking" and "terrifying" have occurred on timeline