DUMBFOUNDED Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

dumbfounded 1 of 2

adjective

variants also dumfounded

as in stunned

affected with sudden and great wonder or surprise dumbfounded by the realization that he had just won the grand prize in the multistate lottery

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in amazed

filled with amazement or wonder dumbfounded visitors to the Grand Canyon

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dumbfounded

2 of 2

verb

variants also dumfounded

past tense of dumbfound

as in surprised

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the surprise ending will dumbfound even the most seasoned mystery reader

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of dumbfounded

Adjective

She’s supposed to help only with menial tasks, but often ends up helping solve mysteries that leave the police dumbfounded. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026 In 40 years covering South Florida sports, very few things have left me dumbfounded. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 Lori listens in dumbfounded silence, keeping her eyes on the prize, and trying not to roll them when Julian makes a comment about the dearth of great women artists—the kind of remark that earned him a close brush with cancellation in the past. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026 That had everyone dumbfounded over what was going on and sharing strong reactions to Bucknor's inaccurate call, including those providing commentary on Tuesday night's game, and many fans watching the events unfold. — Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 Ultimately, the dumbfounded supervisors complied with the state’s request, begrudgingly voting Tuesday to return the bread. — Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 11 Mar. 2026 Nonetheless, all the experts, including her coach Geno Auriemma, seem dumbfounded by her. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026 Now that citizens can stare dumbfounded into the same distracting bright lights (and gambling gateways) via ever-present screens, the whole of the United States has essentially transformed into the hellscape once confined to Nevada’s southern tip. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026 Colorado has lost four of the past six games, and doubled the amount of regulation losses since Cooper’s dumbfounded laugh. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2026

Verb

Those unfamiliar with the story will also be dumbfounded by the catalog of mistakes that not only put Stagg behind bars for 14 months, but allowed the real killer to roam free (and kill again) for another two years. — Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 3 June 2026 Employers are dumbfounded by the state’s restrictiveness. — Brendan Hellweg, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026 The president’s vehement reaction and over-the-top attacks left some Republican senators dumbfounded. — Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026 Warren herself is dumbfounded by the bizarre case of mistaken identity. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 Even though officials describe work release as a form of custody, the fact that Brom was getting a measure of freedom outraged and dumbfounded many legislators, law enforcement officials and members of the community with knowledge and memories of the horrific crime. — Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 29 Dec. 2025 But now that the project has been abruptly terminated, leaving veterans dumbfounded by the decision. — John Ramos, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025 The release, which Taco Bell says is one of its most exclusive ever, has some fans dumbfounded and others ready to dive right in. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025 Cubs fans who have caught Brewers games of late have likely been dumbfounded by their performance. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 10 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumbfounded

Adjective

Then, in a span of just 13 remarkable minutes, Argentina scored not once, not twice, but three times, capping a comeback for the ages and leaving Egypt stunned and shellshocked.

— Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 7 July 2026
From there, Argentina appeared stunned but pressed forward to climb out of a massive hole with only minutes remaining.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of stunned

Adjective

Once the excitement was over, Elvia Malcolm started looking through the photos on her phone and was amazed to see that some clear action shots of the chase.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Once the excitement was over, Elvia Malcolm started looking through the photos on her phone and was amazed to see some clear action shots of the chase.

— Kate Brumback, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of amazed

Verb

But Fortune, who serves on the Hartford school board, surprised some insiders by collecting the signatures in a theme that has endured for years for her and others as women of color.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
Bill MacLauchlin surprised the bicentennial beard contest judges with a blue and white beard topped by a red moustache.

— Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026

Definition of surprised

Adjective

The first season ended with a big cliffhanger, in which Cooper emerged from a cocoon after a transformation to a shocked reaction though his appearance was not revealed.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 July 2026
In Atlanta last week, Mohamed Salah and his Egypt team-mates walked out of the stadium in shocked silence.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Definition of shocked

Adjective

Further stories illuminate emotional realities burrowed deep within enormously likeable characters, often moving the reader (or this reader anyway) to astonished tears.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
One that draws more approving thumbs-ups, creates more astonished grins, or pulls more phones from pockets for impromptu photographs and video—especially in stunning Verde Ermes metallic paint.

— Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026

Definition of astonished

Verb

Pochettino’s sources of American sports culture inspiration There were some aspects of American culture, and specifically American sports culture, that clearly startled Pochettino.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Today Twain would be startled by the passivity of a once-mighty Congress that has all but crumbled in the face of pressure from the White House.

— Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

Definition of startled

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“Dumbfounded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbfounded. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of dumbfounded

adjective

verb

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