variants
also dumfounding
as in startling
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the dumbfounding sight of the race car driver walking away from that horrific crash
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also dumfounding
as in surprising
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the surprise ending will dumbfound even the most seasoned mystery reader
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumbfounding
Adjective
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Experts warned of startling low turnout in the lead-up to the historic election because of the mind-boggling array of unfamiliar choices and the novelty of voting for judges.—
MARÍA VERZA,
Arkansas Online,
3 June 2025 -
The sudden change was startling to those in the building and puzzling to those around the league.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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The announcement, though abrupt, was not altogether surprising: City leaders have fretted the loss of Blue Diamond since the 1990s, and the cooperative has been steadily cutting costs in recent years.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
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Keep in mind that a spicy square between Mars and Uranus on June 15 could also lead to romantic developments or surprising revelations, spontaneously or behind the scenes.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
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Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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There isn’t a huge amount of that, but the fact that the robots are fighting at all is astonishing.—
John Koetsier,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Regardless of his personal situation, what Enrique has done to this PSG side has been nothing short of astonishing.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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Here’s a look at his amazing performance. Notes . . .—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
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Gosh, there are trillions of stories that are amazing.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
Akeelah and the Bee Keke Palmer shines in her stunning breakout role as spelling genius Akeelah, an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles with a gift for words.—
Lesley O'Toole,
Variety,
10 June 2025
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Designed by the famed 18th-century landscape architect Capability Brown, the estate’s sprawling grounds and stunning interiors have lent their timeless elegance to countless productions.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Dumbfounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbfounding. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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