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
-
This was a startling rebuke to those who have argued for years that Syria should avert another dictatorship by conferring greater power on local authorities.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
18 July 2025 -
The startling discovery was made Wednesday, July 16, at House of Refuge beach, about a 105-mile drive north from Miami.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Focus on the surprising insight or counterintuitive result that makes people stop and think.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Chris Paul is all smiles while surprising The Tonight Show audience with his Good Eat'n snacks, as Jimmy Fallon presents him with a new Clippers jersey.—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
People.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Then to be promoted to the summer tour party and, on top of that, trusted to perform in adult matches with a significant audience and unstoppable level of attention is astonishing.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Well, the bolt is an astonishing 515 miles (829 kilometers) long.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
But to say Destiny’s Child gave me the green light is amazing.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
14 July 2025
-
The shoes have amazing cushioning that provides serious support, which was ideal for long walks in Athens.—
Alexis Benveniste,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
The hotel can also organise local experiences, such as a Mini Moke hire to drive to Castellar de la Frontera, one of Spain’s most stunning villages; or an olive oil experience at La Almazara La Organic, an olive grove and museum designed by Philippe Starck set at the foot of the Serranía de Ronda.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
Six planets will soon be aligning for a stunning celestial display.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
29 July 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Dumbfounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbfounding. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share