1
as in to daze
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
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2
as in to amaze
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 stun
After scratching her ticket, she was stunned, the player told lottery officials.
—
Daniella Segura, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
Big Boca Performances Boca Juniors stunned the world by going 2-0 up against Benfica in their opening fixture.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Next up, Tyla stunned in a vintage Roberto Cavalli dress at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 June 2025
Charlotte had stunned the Canucks with a goal at the 8:22 mark of the first period, and the game was tied 1-1 entering the final 20 minutes.
—Steve Lyttle, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stun
Daniella Segura, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
Big Boca Performances Boca Juniors stunned the world by going 2-0 up against Benfica in their opening fixture.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Next up, Tyla stunned in a vintage Roberto Cavalli dress at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 June 2025
Charlotte had stunned the Canucks with a goal at the 8:22 mark of the first period, and the game was tied 1-1 entering the final 20 minutes.
—Steve Lyttle, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stun
Verb
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The video, which features Peng battling with strong winds and then looking dazed and frostbitten above the clouds, was first posted on Chinese video-sharing App Douyin, the country’s version of TikTok.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
30 May 2025
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Upon returning to Sydney, Mackey and JD both looked dazed, whereas Blue (Mavournee Hazel) made a most unexpected discovery in her highly secure flat.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This creator, in the true sense of the word, adds a touch here and there, drapes or lets fall the folds of a cape or a huge collar, borrows from all the epochs of fashion and interprets them all, and in the sum total, never fails to amaze us with his exquisite audacity.—
Laird Borrelli-Persson,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
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The Teton Range, covered in powder, amazes as far as the eye can see.—
DeMarco Williams,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Trump deserves credit for ignoring the voices in Washington who counsel inaction out of an understandable but often paralyzing fear of unintended consequences.—
The Editors,
National Review,
24 June 2025
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To all who saw Iran as a behemoth, were daunted by its deterrence and paralyzed by its threats, these are days of reckoning.—
HUSSEIN AGHA,
Foreign Affairs,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Frantic runs burst through the music, while the last movement surprises with its sudden force.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
11 July 2025
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Customers in New York City, Green Bay and Austin, Texas, might even be surprised with a free lip balm duo at their local cafe, Panera said.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Human rights groups have called for restraint among police officers as waves of protests have rocked Kenya in recent weeks.—
Nicholas Komu,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
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In his own signature no-nonsense style, Osbourne was defiant about his desire to keep rocking, despite his challenges.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Dangerous enough to raise the stakes, but not too gruesome to shock young viewers.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
5 July 2025
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More than a year after a 19-year-old college student's murder shocked Milwaukee and prompted waves of outcry, the man accused of killing her is finally on trial.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
3 July 2025
Verb
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While hitting 350 homers is a feat in itself, Judge reached the mark more quickly than former slugger Mark McGwire.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
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The Padres took a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning when Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a one-out single, moved to third on a single by Luis Arraez and scored on a sacrifice fly by Machado.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Your trash schedule might not be top of mind this Independence Day between going to fireworks displays, making a last-minute run to the grocery store or getting startled by loud booms.—
Eleanor Nash
July 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 July 2025
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According to a crash report, a cicada flew into the driver's window, startling the driver.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stun. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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