as in astonishment
the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual
upon hearing the unexpected news, she just sat there in total stupefaction
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Recent Examples of stupefaction
Does freeing oneself from stupefaction involve confronting a terrifying reality, or abandoning it?
—
Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
But perhaps indoctrination and stupefaction go hand in hand.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026
At one point, the fear that squeezed my stomach tighter and tighter gave way to stupefaction.
—Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Rogan, wearing his persona as a babe-in-the-woods naif, listened to this nonsense in slack-jawed stupefaction.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The depth of my stupefaction is at the center of a debate playing out on social media, prompted by what seemed to be a definitive ruling on the matter from ketchup giant Heinz.
—Emily Heil, Washington Post, 3 July 2023
So here’s a handy guide to stick it to your co-conversants and have their heads nodding at your bon mots in sublime stupefaction.
—Andy Kessler, WSJ, 13 June 2021
As usual, however, TIME's selection has stirred up disagreement/bemusement/stupefaction.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2010
Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
But perhaps indoctrination and stupefaction go hand in hand.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026
At one point, the fear that squeezed my stomach tighter and tighter gave way to stupefaction.
—Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Rogan, wearing his persona as a babe-in-the-woods naif, listened to this nonsense in slack-jawed stupefaction.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The depth of my stupefaction is at the center of a debate playing out on social media, prompted by what seemed to be a definitive ruling on the matter from ketchup giant Heinz.
—Emily Heil, Washington Post, 3 July 2023
So here’s a handy guide to stick it to your co-conversants and have their heads nodding at your bon mots in sublime stupefaction.
—Andy Kessler, WSJ, 13 June 2021
As usual, however, TIME's selection has stirred up disagreement/bemusement/stupefaction.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2010
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupefaction
Noun
-
Embiid said in astonishment after the game.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
-
To my astonishment, the classic poem became one of the most mind-expanding literary experiences of my life.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
When Adebayo hit his final two foul shots to reach 83 points, players shook their heads in amazement.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The time and attention to detail afforded it by Lord and Miller suggest that the directors are as susceptible as any of us to that amazement, elevated by the moving solemnity and celestial dimensions of Daniel Pemberton’s beautiful score.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Now came the surprise of my effortful steps, the shock of how unyielding the dress’s shell was, as if I were being held in place by a firm hand.—
Han Ong,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
-
So the lack of parachutes in the KC-135, under this light, should not come as much of a shock.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stupefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupefaction. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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