sickening

adjective

sick·​en·​ing ˈsi-kə-niŋ How to pronounce sickening (audio)
ˈsik-niŋ
: causing sickness or disgust
a sickening odor
a sickening display
sickeningly
ˈsi-kə-niŋ-lē How to pronounce sickening (audio)
ˈsik-niŋ-
adverb

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
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.
Certainly, the non-participation of Ukrainian gymnasts in international sports competitions causes some damage to the sports composition, which leaves a sickening siege in our gymnasts and coaches, who have done a great job of preparing gymnasts for competitions. Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025 The song comments on the sickening glee that’s been spread in some corners in the aftermath of Kirk’s death. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2025 The sickening moment of Kirk's murder was captured on video and has been viewed by tens of millions of people. Melissa Galbraith, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 One newspaper here calling the summit, sickening, shameful, and, in the end, useless. ABC News, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sickening

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sickening was in 1789

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sickening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sickening. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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 How to pronounce sickening (audio)
: causing sickness or nausea

More from Merriam-Webster on sickening

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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