Shocking and Upsetting

Shocking

Shocking adjective - Causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness.
Usage example: we all clustered around to hear the shocking news of our colleague's sudden death

Upsetting and shocking are semantically related. in appalling topic. In some cases you can use "Upsetting" instead an adjective "Shocking".

Nearby Words: shock, shocked, shockingly, shocker

Upsetting

Upsetting adjective - Causing worry or anxiety.
Usage example: the constant arguing is upsetting to a sensitive person like your grandmother

Shocking and upsetting are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Shocking" instead an adjective "Upsetting".

Nearby Word: upset

Both words in one sentence

  • Narm / Web Comics While it is a very shocking and upsetting development, the line "SORRY I GAVE YOUR UNIVERSE CANCER" has been met with laughter and many distasteful cancer jokes.
Cite this Source
Upsetting and Shocking. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/shocking/upsetting
Shocking & Upsetting. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/shocking/upsetting>.
Upsetting or Shocking. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/shocking/upsetting.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "shocking" and "upsetting" have occurred on timeline