Thesaurus results for DUMBFOUND

Q: How does the verb 'dumbfound' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dumbfound are bewilder , confound , distract , nonplus , perplex , and puzzle . While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound . // was at first too dumbfounded to reply

Q: In what contexts can 'bewilder' take the place of 'dumbfound'?

In some situations, the words bewilder and dumbfound are roughly equivalent. However, bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking. // a bewildering number of possibilities

Q: When is it sensible to use 'confound' instead of 'dumbfound'?

While the synonyms confound and dumbfound are close in meaning, confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement. // the tragic news confounded us all

Q: When would 'distract' be a good substitute for 'dumbfound'?

The meanings of distract and dumbfound largely overlap; however, distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests. // distracted by personal problems

Q: When could 'nonplus' be used to replace 'dumbfound'?

The words nonplus and dumbfound are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible. // the remark left us utterly nonplussed

Q: Where would 'perplex' be a reasonable alternative to 'dumbfound'?

Although the words perplex and dumbfound have much in common, perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision. // a behavior that perplexed her friends

Q: When might 'puzzle' be a better fit than 'dumbfound'?

The synonyms puzzle and dumbfound are sometimes interchangeable, but puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve. // the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

dumbfound

verb

ˌdəm-ˈfau̇nd

variants also dumfound

Definition of dumbfound next

as in to amaze

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the surprise ending will dumbfound even the most seasoned mystery reader

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb dumbfound differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dumbfound are bewilder, confound, distract, nonplus, perplex, and puzzle. While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

In what contexts can bewilder take the place of dumbfound?

In some situations, the words bewilder and dumbfound are roughly equivalent. However, bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

When is it sensible to use confound instead of dumbfound?

While the synonyms confound and dumbfound are close in meaning, confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

When would distract be a good substitute for dumbfound?

The meanings of distract and dumbfound largely overlap; however, distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

When could nonplus be used to replace dumbfound?

The words nonplus and dumbfound are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

Where would perplex be a reasonable alternative to dumbfound?

Although the words perplex and dumbfound have much in common, perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

When might puzzle be a better fit than dumbfound?

The synonyms puzzle and dumbfound are sometimes interchangeable, but puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of dumbfound Neighbors were disgusted and dumbfounded about the senseless slaughter of an animal that had never caused any trouble. —

Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 28 Jan. 2025 And while stumbling through the silly categories, the contestants are dumbfounded far too often during the episodes made available for review. —

Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024 The revelation dumbfounded Clark. —

Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024 Siri’s Guide for Newbie Farmers To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video This implausible performance dumbfounded many Americans, like Carol Foyler, who resides in Akron, Ohio. —

Andy Borowitz, The New Yorker, 27 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for dumbfound

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumbfound

Verb

What amazed me the most was the remains of what appeared to be a tall conifer — possibly a cypress or cedar — on Edgar Street in Pacific Palisades, where the Palisades fire ravaged an entire street.

— Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.

— Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 18 Jan. 2026

Definition of amaze

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dumbed down

dumbfound

dumbfounded

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“Dumbfound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbfound. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of dumbfound

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