as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the flabbergasting sight of the mess that the teens had left in the kitchen
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in amazing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
your decision to suddenly quit your job flabbergasts me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flabbergasting
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Dohnányi, after no end of rigorous rehearsal, obtained a collective sound of unreal, flabbergasting clarity.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flabbergasting
Adjective
-
Close to Rocky Mountain National Park, this all-inclusive guest ranch has everything from classic ranch activities like trail rides to surprising options such as a ropes course and zip line.—
Julie Bielenberg,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The breakout at the plate isn’t all that surprising.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
Adjective
-
Despite being debunked time and time again, a startling proportion of the public still hold onto these claims.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
1 Apr. 2026
-
There's a startling new plastic surgery trend.—
Will Richmond,
The Providence Journal,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Leonardsen lives on the second floor of a concrete-and-glass building along the harbor, which has stunning views of the sea.—
Eric Klinenberg,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Today, The Retreat is known for its ultra-luxe accommodations, amenities such as afternoon tea, and stunning location.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Continue reading … CRUSHED DREAMS — Tiger Woods was 'hoping to' play in Masters before shocking DUI arrest, bodycam footage shows.—
,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Having two daughters diagnosed with breast cancer is shocking enough; now there was a third.—
Jessica Keller,
Glamour,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Readers who approach this dense but astonishing book will laugh at how superficial that query seems in contrast to the mysteries of the universe.—
Bethanne Patrick,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Between those bookends lies an astonishing range of human activity scratched onto broken pottery.—
Ryan Brennan
April 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flabbergasting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flabbergasting. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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