dumbfound

verb

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dumb·found | \ ˌdəm-ˈfau̇nd

, ˈdəm-ˌfaund \

variants: or less commonly dumfound

dumbfounded also dumfounded; dumbfounding also dumfounding; dumbfounds also dumfounds

Definition of dumbfound

transitive verb

: to confound (see confound sense 1) briefly and usually with astonishment were dumbfounded at what they saw

Other Words from dumbfound Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about dumbfound

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Choose the Right Synonym for dumbfound

puzzle, perplex, bewilder, distract, nonplus, confound, dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally. puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve. the persistent fever puzzled the doctor perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision. a behavior that perplexed her friends bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking. a bewildering number of possibilities distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests. distracted by personal problems nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible. the remark left us utterly nonplussed confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement. the tragic news confounded us all dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound. was at first too dumbfounded to reply

Examples of dumbfound in a Sentence

the surprise ending will dumbfound even the most seasoned mystery reader

Recent Examples on the Web Americans this week have been dumbfounded by the unfathomable spectacle of Twitter’s senior management demonstrating responsibility. — Andy Borowitz, The New Yorker, "Nation Astonished by Spectacle of Twitter Management Demonstrating Responsibility," 29 May 2020 The new boss’s first extensive print interview as CEO left many inside Boeing dumbfounded and angry, said current and former employees. — Julie Johnsson, Bloomberg.com, "Boeing’s New CEO Regrets Blasting Predecessor as Backlash Grows," 12 May 2020 Longtime Brunswick attorney James Yancey said he was dumbfounded by Barnhill's conclusions. — al, "Ahmaud Arbery: Family says Georgia man was killed for jogging," 7 May 2020 Blackwell was particularly dumbfounded by Spell’s decision to not file for the Paycheck Protection Program made possible by the $2.2 trillion stimulus package that was passed by Congress last month. — Tanya A. Christian, Essence, "Pastor Gives Questionable Reasoning For Asking Congregants To Donate Stimulus Checks," 20 Apr. 2020 These two lucky people were eating out and were dumbfounded when a stranger paid for their meal. — Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, "Ask Amy: Readers ask how to help in this time of need," 16 Apr. 2020 It will be presented in the theater that housed the (now terminated) Terminator 2: 3D, and, like that attraction, will blend live actors, high-octane effects, and screened footage for a dumbfounding movie-live performance mashup. — Arthur Levine, USA TODAY, "What’s the attraction? Lots to love at theme parks in 2020, including a new Legoland," 29 Jan. 2020 Wonders and his teammates, not to mention the fans at Breslin, were dumbfounded on two levels. — Mick Mccabe, Detroit Free Press, "Iron Mountain boys still burning from 2019 state title nightmare: 'It’s a wound that runs deep'," 13 Mar. 2020 Still a minor, Jim stared at his father dumbfounded. — Gregory Orfalea, Los Angeles Times, "Rick Dempsey found success in baseball, but his boyhood friend and teammate struggled," 9 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dumbfound.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.