1
as in amazing
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
we suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of the bottom-ranked team in the division
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wonderful
causing wonder or astonishment
the stunning beauty of the star-filled sky on a cloudless night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in beautiful
very pleasing to look at
how stunning the performers look in their costumes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in dazing
to make senseless or dizzy by a blow
a powerful uppercut to the jaw stunned the boxer and sent him crashing to the canvas
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in surprising
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the news of their boss's termination stunned the staff
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stunning
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026
Pinning her veil above the style made for a stunning photo in the wind.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026
Shane recorded a run of singles and a stunning live album on Caravan Records, in 1967, but had retired from music by the early nineteen-seventies, spending time taking care of her ailing mother and stepfather in Nashville.
—Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
If your V-day plans involve snuggling up and rewatching Bridgerton, lean into the show’s romantic pastel color palette and stunning florals with nails that bloom.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stunning
Adjective
Jane’s look is pretty stunning, with a great sense of color.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026
Pinning her veil above the style made for a stunning photo in the wind.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026
Shane recorded a run of singles and a stunning live album on Caravan Records, in 1967, but had retired from music by the early nineteen-seventies, spending time taking care of her ailing mother and stepfather in Nashville.
—Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
If your V-day plans involve snuggling up and rewatching Bridgerton, lean into the show’s romantic pastel color palette and stunning florals with nails that bloom.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stunning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stunning
Adjective
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One amazing season gets him almost 40% of the vote.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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The Duffers, our wonderful, amazing creators, wanted to leave everybody with this level of optimism that the show has always given everyone.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Playing a thinly disguised version of himself, Reynolds is, as Schneeberger and Neibaur point out, funny, exasperating, and moving, and Rifkin’s impeccable tailoring of the role to fit his star gives Reynolds a wonderful summation with which to end his career.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
10 Feb. 2026
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Welcome to the wonderful world of better coffee.—
Noah Kaufman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Loft Twist Off-the-shoulder Sweater The beautiful twisted detailing at the neckline of this Loft top sets it apart from other off-the-shoulder styles—and it’s double discounted to just $18 in a full range of sizes.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Feb. 2026
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This Hubble Space Telescope image is not just a beautiful scene, but also a tool scientists can use to study stellar evolution.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Fairview came out throwing haymakers, dazing the Bruins in the early going.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
23 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Black also said Carr has emerged as a leader during her junior season — surprising him.—
Ray Padilla,
Louisville Courier Journal,
5 Feb. 2026
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After surprising her mother, Madison continued to try on wedding dresses and eventually found the one.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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What’s even more startling is that one-fifth of all senior generals promoted by Xi have either been fired or accused of wrongdoing.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
7 Feb. 2026
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And the boys reported a startling discovery in the Texas ICE facility – a schoolmate had been detained without the school district’s knowledge.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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With the Games heading to France in 2030, there is work underway to include this astonishing sport into the schedule, but Billy says the speed skiing community is also content with its current position.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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To belittle the journalist asking about these claims in such sexist terms is astonishing.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And Ann Bridgman of Just the Thing Decorating in Southlake has seen pet owners consider just giving up on having a lovely home.—
Kelley Bruss,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Feb. 2026
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My first night was in a Farmhouse Meadow Studio, with a vaulted ceiling, dormer, gas fireplace, and a huge sliding glass door opening onto a patio (which would’ve been lovely if the weather were warmer).—
Paul Brady,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stunning. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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