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
-
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 -
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
Adjective
-
But, Devers' comments after the game were perhaps even more surprising.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
24 July 2025
-
Under the temporary guidance of Austin FC coach Nico Estévez, MLS came out with a proactive approach, surprising Liga MX’s team with genuine high-pressing and determined counterattacks.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
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
-
Her astonishing haul has left some speculating that Ocasio-Cortez may be eyeing higher office, whether a seat in the Senate or a White House run in 2028.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
19 July 2025
-
Millennial spending rose 10%, while Gen Z cardholders grew their spend at a somewhat astonishing 40% (albeit from a smaller base).—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Apple’s iOS 26 is coming this fall, along with some amazing new features for your iPhone, many of which are powered by Apple Intelligence AI — alongside a new design language dubbed Liquid Glass.—
Kate O'Flaherty,
Forbes.com,
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
-
Having signed for Fiorentina in the summer of 2018, his first 18 months at the Stadio Artemio Franchi were – outside of the stunning solo goal against Inter shown below – not particularly noteworthy.—
Adam Digby,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
From a white sand cliff in Denmark to a coastal region in West Africa, the list includes stunning and important destinations.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
15 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 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share